Tropical Depression “Verbena” forced 2,256 individuals from their homes in Negros Oriental, disaster officials reported on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Pre-emptive evacuations began Monday as the storm crossed the Visayas, Adrian Sedillo, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.
“The numbers could still rise as we await situation reports from the different local government units today,” Sedillo said.
Flooding rendered roads and bridges impassable in several areas, including Canlaon City, where one person remained missing in La Libertad due to an overflowing river.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria suspended classes and government work while the Coast Guard cancelled all sea travel.
Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia reported 151 stranded passengers at ports in Sibulan and Amlan towns.
The province continues to experience light to moderate rains as the storm moves toward Palawan.*