2,500 families affected in Negros Occidental floods

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — About 2,500 families have been displaced by flooding in Bacolod and Talisay cities in Negros Occidental after incessant rains, caused by the monsoon, poured since Friday night.

Authorities said 441 families in Bacolod City and 2,130 families in Talisay City were reported displaced.

The Bacolod city government provided emergency aid to the families as relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development continued.

Floods about four feet deep were recorded in Puroks Tamburong, Mabinuligay and Pine Tree of Barangay Bata and in parts of Barangays Banago and Mandalagan, all in Bacolod City.

As relief efforts continue, some areas in Barangays 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18 and Villamonte were also reported to have been affected.

Essential supplies that include food packs, rice, blankets, mosquito nets, diapers and hygiene kits were distributed in eight evacuation centers.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya attributed the flooding to urban development pressures and infrastructure challenges. 

In Talisay City, Mayor Rowena Lizares said the city’s mobile kitchen was dispatched to the evacuation centers to help feed the displaced residents.

The city’s health office held consultations and distributed Docycycline to prevent leptospirosis infections among the affected residents.

Disaster officials advised residents, especially those living in low-lying barangays, to remain on alert.