A woman died and several others were affected by flooding in some Negros Oriental towns due to extreme weather conditions that triggered moderate to heavy rainfall over the weekend, authorities said on Monday, Dec. 5.
Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), said the fatality, 58, was a resident of Sitio Bay-ang in Barangay Tabon, Vallehermoso.
Her remains were found at a sugarcane field in Sitio Bay-ang around 5:50 p.m. Saturday, as reported by village councilor Randy Cadorna.
Investigation showed the victim attempted to cross a creek to follow her husband, who left to secure their livestock. She was carried downstream by strong floodwaters and was apparently hit by large rocks that caused multiple injuries.
“Flooding and minor landslides were reported by local government units Friday Saturday, and Sunday following heavy and sometimes persistent rainfall caused by the shear line,” Adrian Sedillo, head of the Negros Oriental Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), said.
A report submitted by the DRRMO to the Office of the Governor said flooding was also reported in Bindoy, Manjuyod and Tayasan.
Landslides were reported in Sitio Nagabuto, Barangay Nagabulod in Bindoy; and Barangay Ulay and Tagbino in Vallehermoso; while spillways and roads were rendered impassable for a certain period.
Some areas also reported water and power outages. Sedillo said they are awaiting additional information on certain flood control infrastructure damaged by flooding and heavy rains, and total number of affected residents.*