Flash floods, landslides hit Negros Occidental; 1 dead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Heavy rains triggered by a shear line caused flooding and landslides across parts of Negros Occidental on Saturday, leading to the forced evacuation of thousands of residents.

At least one was reported dead – 87-year-old Angelina Oro who was bedridden and  whose house at Purok River Hillside in Barangay Fabrica, Sagay City was submerged by floodwaters, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

The PDRRMC reported that floodwaters also hit several barangays in the cities of Bacolod, Sagay and Escalante and in the towns of Toboso, E.B. Magalona and Calatrava.

In some areas, the floodwaters were reported to be two meters deep.

More than 5,000 residents were affected and moved to public evacuation centers on Jan. 31, although the PDRRMC said the majority returned to their homes yesterday as the weather improved.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it assisted in the rescue of 84 families or 422 people in the province. The PCG Deployable Response Group also reported rescuing  45 people after their houses near a river in Barangay Paraiso in Sagay were submerged in floodwater.

Also helping in the evacuation of affected residents were members of the Philippine Army and the PCG Auxiliary.

In Calatrava town, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported rescuing 75 families or 377 people, who were evacuated to the Municipal Evacuation Center.

Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said landslides were reported in Sitios Magtu-od and Polopangyan I in Barangay Bug-ang as well as damaged infrastructure, including foot bridges, in Sitios Danao and Carbon in Barangay San Isidro.

Jaojoco ordered the suspension of classes today in all levels due to the effects of the shear line that triggered heavy rains. — Evelyn Macairan