By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Oriental provincial government mobilized its resources and coordinated closely with local government units to address the impact of heavy rains brought by a series of thunderstorms that hit parts of the province on Wednesday, December 31.

Under the leadership of Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, provincial authorities, through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (LDRRMD), immediately responded to landslide and flooding incidents reported in several areas, prioritizing public safety and road accessibility.

In Bindoy town, a landslide occurred at Barangay Malaga’s Sitio Kandalaga in the early hours of January 1, rendering a portion of the national highway impassable to all types of vehicles.

Joint clearing operations were promptly initiated by teams from the municipal governments of Bindoy and Ayungon, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and a private contractor.

At 12:30 p.m., the affected road section was partially cleared and reopened to light vehicles, including vans, pickup trucks, ambulances, and rescue vehicles.

Traffic flow remains regulated by personnel from the Philippine National Police and barangay tanods as debris and loose rubble are still present along the highway.

Authorities said further clearing operations will continue to fully restore road passability.

Aside from the landslide, flooding was monitored in several barangays, including Malaga, Poblacion, Domolog, Cabugan, Tinaogan, and Pangalaycayan.

Floodwaters have since subsided, and no internally displaced persons were reported.

Local authorities also confirmed that there were no reported casualties, with no injuries, missing persons or deaths recorded.

Assessment and validation of possible damage to houses in the affected barangays are still ongoing. Bindoy Mayor Eniego Jabagat had initially requested additional heavy equipment, including one backhoe and one grader, to support clearing and rehabilitation efforts.

The request has already been forwarded to the Provincial Engineering Office through Engineer Durango.

Possible relief assistance for affected residents is also being considered.

Jabagat is expected to submit an official and comprehensive incident report to the Office of the Governor once the assessment is completed./CJ, WDJ