Thousands of Negrenses were preemptively evacuated on Monday, Nov. 24, ahead of Tropical Depression “Verbena”.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday ordered the immediate preemptive evacuation of residents in flood and landslide prone areas in Negros Occidental as a precautionary measure in view of the expected strong winds and heavy rains brought on by Tropical Depression “Verbena” that may pose grave danger.
The state weather bureau has raised Wind Signal No. 1 over the entire Negros Island Region, which includes Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
The Negros Occidental and Bacolod City Emergency Operations Centers have gone on red alert.
Thousands of Negrenses were preemptively evacuated, Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, said Monday night.
Bacolod City was also conducting preemptive evacuation in flood-prone areas.
The governor, in his executive order said it is imperative to undertake proactive and preventive measures to mitigate the loss of lives and property.
Expected strong winds and continuous heavy rains from “Verbena” may also pose grave danger to residents in low-lying and geologically hazardous areas, he said.
Forced evacuation shall be carried out when voluntary evacuation is refused despite imminent danger, Lacson said.
Lacson also directed all LGUs to activate and prepare designated evacuation centers that are structurally sound and adequately equipped with food, water, medicines, power supply, and sanitation facilities.
Canlaon City in Negros Oriental also conducted preemptive evacuation.*