By CESAR JOLITO III
Silted waterways, overflowing creeks and inadequate drainage infrastructure were identified as the primary causes of flooding in parts of Barangays Pahanocoy and Cabug following heavy rains that hit Bacolod City on Monday night, July 13.
The findings came after Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the Bacolod City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to inspect and assess flood-affected areas to determine the causes of the inundation and recommend long-term solutions.
Among the areas inspected were Kasilingan 1 and 2 in Barangay Mansilingan, Bangga Cory at the Hernaez-Circumferential Road intersection, Cabalagnan Creek, Purok Madinalag-on in Barangay Cabug, and Barangay 39.
The CEO reported that heavy siltation at the mouth of Cabalagnan Creek in Barangay Pahanocoy has obstructed the natural flow of water toward the sea.
The inspection also found that the creek bed had become shallow and uneven, slowing the movement of floodwaters.
Residents told city engineers that the waterway had not undergone clearing operations for years, with the last major cleanup conducted after riprap structures were installed in the area.
In contrast, inspectors found no drainage issues at Pahanocoy Bridge 1 near Medalla Integrated School, where the creek remains wide and protected by riprap.
No flooding was reported along the nearby Araneta Street bridge.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Cabug’s Purok Madinalag-on, engineers said flooding resulted from overflowing small creeks compounded by the absence of adequate drainage and flood-control facilities.
The area also has unpaved access roads riddled with potholes, which hamper mobility and emergency response during heavy rains.
The assessment will serve as the basis for the city’s coordination with concerned agencies and for recommendations on improving waterways, road networks and flood-mitigation measures in affected communities, the CEO said.
Evacuated
Fifteen families, or 70 individuals, were temporarily evacuated to safer areas due to the flooding, according to the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) and the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO),
Barangay Mansilingan recorded the highest number of evacuees with nine affected families or 45 individuals, followed by Barangay Cabug with three families or 10 individuals, Barangay Pahanocoy with two families or nine individuals, and Barangay Sum-ag with one family consisting of six individuals.
Despite the intense rainfall, city authorities reported no flooding in GK Banago, Mandalagan, Carvic 1 and 2, Palanca Road near SM City Bacolod, and Araneta Street near Gaisano City.
The Bacolod City government said it continues to monitor flood-prone areas while the DSSD, DRRMO and other concerned offices provide assistance to affected residents./CCJ, WDJ