Rain induced by Tropical Depression “Agaton” and a low pressure area triggered flooding that caused the evacuation of 4,757 residents, the suspension of classes and sea travelers to be stranded in Negros Occidental on Monday, April 11.
“If rivers start to swell, people should be ready to move out,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said, as some local government units (LGUs) began preemptive evacuations.
“Agaton”, which did not directly hit Negros Occidental, was in the vicinity of Basey, Samar, at 8 p.m. Monday with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 60 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa , the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
Lacson warned that the approaching Tropical Storm “Malakas” could also bring more rain although it is also not expected to make a direct hit on Negros Occidental.
The center of Severe Tropical Storm “Malakas” was estimated 300 km east of Southern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 125 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa, PAGASA reported.
EVACUATIONS
Flooding caused more than 4,757 residents in seven local government units in Negros Occidental to evacuate on Monday.
Mayor Francis Palanca said 1,052 residents were evacuated from flood hit areas in Victorias City but as of Monday night there was hardly any rain in the city.
In Talisay City, 1,170 residents were evacuated, Social Welfare and Development Officer Dionela Madrona said.
One house was destroyed and one was damaged, she added.
Mayor Mark Golez said 109 families with 411 residents also evacuated in Silay City.
In Cadiz City, there were about 600 evacuees, most of whom were preemptively evacuated, Mayor Salvador Escalante said.
Mayor Marvin Malacon said 650 families composed of 1,500 persons evacuated in EB Magalona.
Meanwhile, evacuees in Escalante City were 24, while the figures for Manapla were not available yet, Zeaphard Gerhart Caelian, Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head, said.
CLASSES SUSPENDED
EB Mgalaona, Murcia, Cadiz City, Silay City and Victorias City suspended all classes and work in government offices, Salvador Benedicto and Manapla suspended classes at all levels, Talisay City halted elementary and high school classes, and San Carlos City suspended pre-school and elementary classes, Caelian also said.
STRANDED PASSENGERS
The Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel in northern Negros Occidental.
Stranded passengers at the Escalante Port were 160, Sagay Port – 33 and San Carlos City – 57.*