By CESAR JOLITO III
Flooding triggered by a powerful shear line weather system has caused more than P10 million in combined agricultural, livestock and infrastructure damage across northern Negros Occidental, affecting nearly 9,000 residents in seven local government units (LGUs).
Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed that 193 houses were either damaged or destroyed, while agricultural losses alone reached at least P6.55 million as of February 2.
These losses include P2.22 million worth of rice crops damaged in Calatrava and Sagay City, and P4.33 million in livestock losses recorded in Sagay and Toboso.
The livestock sector sustained the heaviest financial blow, with figures from the Provincial Veterinary Office placing total animal losses at P4,330,034.88, affecting 2,254 animals owned by 199 households in 10 barangays.
Sagay accounted for the largest share of the damage, with P3.39 million worth of losses involving 1,498 animals, while Toboso reported P934,728.04 in losses affecting 756 livestock across three barangays.
Sagay was also the hardest hit in terms of population impact, with 6,803 residents affected by the flooding.
The city also recorded a fatality after 87-year-old Angelina Oro, a bedridden resident of Barangay Fabrica, was swept away by strong currents when a creek overflowed and inundated her home.
Her son said he attempted to move her to safety, but the water rose too quickly.
Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said flooding in Barangay Paraiso reached historic levels, with floodwaters rising to heights not seen since 1964.
He attributed the severe inundation to the combination of relentless rainfall and a 1.7-meter high tide, which amplified water levels in low-lying areas.
The flooding also affected residents in Calatrava (with 760), Toboso (552), Escalante City (533), Cadiz City (142), Talisay City (107), and E.B. Magalona (30).
Infrastructure losses further added to the economic toll.
Calatrava officials reported washed-out footbridges and overflow structures, while Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said four footbridges and several roads were damaged, disrupting access to upland communities and isolating some sitios.
Many families also lost household belongings, farm equipment and animals, compounding the financial strain.
LGUs suspend classes
Several LGUs suspended classes yesterday, as heavy rainfall brought by a shear line weather system continued to affect the province.
Escalante City Mayor Melicio Yap, Jr. ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools, citing unsafe weather conditions.
Similarly, the Cadiz City government issued an advisory for a full suspension of classes, urging residents to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor official updates.
In Calatrava, Mayor Marilyn Era announced that only upland barangays would suspend classes due to flooding along school access roads, while coastal barangays continued with regular face-to-face classes.
The province has experienced continuous heavy rainfall since January 31, affecting at least six LGUs, including Bacolod City, Escalante, Sagay City, Calatrava, Toboso, and E.B. Magalona.
In Bacolod, flooding impacted 24 out of 61 barangays, displacing 48 families, or 171 individuals, over the weekend./CJ, WDJ