Thousands of evacuees went home and sea travel in Negros Occidental resumed on Sunday, Dec. 7, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration lifted Wind Signal No. 1 over the province.
Tropical Depression “Wilma” weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA), Pagasa said.
“Wilma” affected 25,908 families (99,638 persons) in eight local government units in Negros Occidental, and 2,403 families (7,341 persons) sought refuge in evacuation centers”, Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, reported on Sunday.
The areas with residents affected by “Wilma” were EB Magalona, San Enrique, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla, she said.
In Bacolod City there were 67 evacuees who were served meals and provided temporary shelter.
Among the evacuees were 43 stranded passengers from the BREDCO port, and 8 residents from Brgy Alijis, 6 from Brgy 14 and 10 from Brgy Vista Alegre, the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) reported.
The evacuees said they opted for preemptive evacuation because they have children and elderly family members, while some have health issues, the BCCO said.
All scheduled sea travel from Negros Occidental to Tabuelan, Toledo City, and Bantayan, Cebu; Dumangas, Iloilo City, Ajuy, Estancia, Iloilo, and Guimaras and vice-versa, have resumed, the Philippine Coast Guard, announced.*