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Widespread flooding displaces 16,480 in Bacolod, Talisay

Rescue operation at Purok Isla, Brgy. Villamonte in Bacolod City early Saturday led by the Emergency Response Unit of the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental–Bacolod City Chapter.*PRC photo

Heavy rain brought by the Southwest Monsoon unleashed widespread flooding across Bacolod and Talisay cities in Negros Occidental on Friday evening and Saturday morning, forcing more than 16,000 residents, including nuns, to evacuate.

Talisay City reported 15,605 evacuees, while Bacolod City had 875, who returned to their homes  later on Saturday.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said that as of 9:28 a.m. Saturday,  said estimated 875 individuals, had been evacuated in Bacolod.

Evacuees were from Barangays 3, 8, 10, 17, Banago, Bata, and Villamonte.

In Bacolod, floodwaters reached knee-high in some areas inundating homes in squatter areas and  subdivisions.

Roads near SM City Bacolod resembled mini-rivers due to rising water levels.

Rescuers in some areas utilized small boats to bring residents to safety.

Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection Bacolod rescued six nuns from their Blessed Virgin Missionaries of Carmel home in Barangay 1 at 2:49 a.m. Saturday. The nuns, the oldest of whom was 89 years old,  were subsequently brought to the Señor Sto. Niño Home in Barangay Taculing.

 Gasataya said the Bacolod  evacuees were given relief packs containing clothes, rice, diapers, toiletries, water containers, and other necessities, along with food packs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided assistance to the affected families, he said.

In Talisay, City Social Welfare Officer Dionela Madrona reported that 3,121 families, or about 15,605 individuals from 16 barangays, evacuated Friday night due to severe flooding.

They sought temporary shelter at the Talisay Public Plaza, covered courts, and day care centers, returning to their homes on Saturday morning, she said.

The Talisay City government provided evacuees with food packs, energy drinks, and meals, while the Angels Wings Foundation of Mayor Rowena Lizares donated rice.

Madrona noted that the heavy rain commenced at 9:05 p.m. Friday and lasted until  past midnight, coinciding with high tide at  1 a.m. Saturday.

 She said  239 chickens and fighting cocks  and 38 pigs died in the Talisay floods.

Damage assessment to homes is still ongoing, Madrona said.*

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