Continuous rainfall, triggered by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Depression “Crising”, caused widespread flooding across seven towns and two cities in southern Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 17.
The flooding prompted the evacuation of 2,553 residents.
The rains also led to landslides and rendered several roads and bridges impassable in southern Negros.
Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), reported that floodwaters in some villages reached heights of two to five feet.
The evacuees in Hinoba-an were 211, Cauayan – 295, Binalbagan – 142, Isabela – 720, Sipalay – 16, Kabankalan City – 464, Himamaylan City – 489, Ilog – 37, and Moises Padilla – 159.
Landslides were also reported in Barangays Culipapa and Bulwangan in Hinoba-an; Brgy Montilla in Moises Padilla; and Mauboy and San Francisco Village in Brgy Nabulao and Brgy Maricalum in Sipalay City.
Seveenteen barangays in Sipalay City also experienced a blackout on Thursday.
Classes were cancelled in 28 local government units across Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, on Thursday. Some local governments also suspended work.
“Northern Negros experienced only cloudy skies and light rains. More rain is anticipated on Friday as Tropical Depression “Crising” nears”, Ploteña said.
“Crising” will not directly hit Negros Island.*