Negros Occidental disaster teams remain on alert for flash floods and landslides that may be brought on by heavy rains with two weather disturbances still within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Zeaphard Gerhart Caelian, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division chief, said tonight, November 1.
“We are prepared for anything,” he said.
He said while Negros is not in the path of Typhoon “Rolly” and Tropical Storm “Siony,” the weather disturbances could trigger heavy rains.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1, reported that “Rolly” was heading toward the southern coast of Batangas.
“Rolly” is forecast to exit the mainland Luzon landmass and emerge over the West Philippine Sea Sunday night, it said.
Light to moderate with at times heavy rains will be experienced over Western Visayas, PAGASA added.
Flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Siony slightly intensified and is now within the PAR, it added.
The center of Tropical Storm “Siony “ was estimated based on all available data at 1,365 km East of Central Luzon yesterday morning.
It is forecast to move generally northwestward until Monday evening, then slowly west-southwestward by Tuesday, PAGASA said.
It remains less likely to affect any portion of the country over the next two to three days, it added.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said while “Rolly” is raging in Metro Manila and Luzon and is unlikely to affect Bacolod directly, the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Department of Social Services and Development, City Engineers Office, Department of Education and Philippine National Police are on alert and ready to assist in any eventuality.
“We hope and pray that this typhoon will not horrendously damage the affected areas. We are ready to offer help and assistance to our kababayans if need be,” he added.*