By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Emergency Operations Center have been placed under red alert status due to the threat posed by Tropical Depression “Basyang,” which is expected to cross Negros Island on Friday, February 6.
The red alert status took effect at 5:00 p.m. yesterday, and will remain in force until weather conditions significantly improve.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has signed an executive order placing the province on heightened alert, citing forecasts similar to the heavy rainfall brought by a shear line that caused flooding in northern Negros last weekend.
While authorities are hoping “Basyang” weakens, Lacson stressed that preparedness remains a priority.
“We’re hoping it will slow down, but it’s better to be prepared,” Lacson said.
When asked about the possibility of preemptive evacuation, Lacson said the decision rests with local government units, noting that local chief executives are in the best position to assess risks.
“Based on our experience through the years, the local chief executives can make the call to have a preemptive evacuation,” he added.
Lacson further urged Negrenses to cooperate with authorities, particularly if evacuation orders are issued.
“Usual cooperation — if there’s a call for evacuation, it must be followed,” he said.
The governor also assured the public that the provincial government has sufficient funds to respond to the effects of the incoming typhoon, saying there are still savings from last year’s budget that can be utilized for disaster response.
“Basyang” maintained strength as it moved southwestward east of Mindanao, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its weather forecast at 6:00 p.m. yesterday.
“Basyang” was last tracked at 655 kilometers east of Surigao del Sur at 15 kph.
The tropical depression, forecast to bring heavy rainfall, will make landfall over eastern Mindanao on Thursday night, February 5, or Friday.
No wind signal is in effect over Negros Occidental and Negros Island Region./CJ, WDJ