‘Sendong’ leaves 22 dead, 14 missing in Negros Oriental

NEGROS Oriental was not spared from the devastation and death brought by
Tropical Storm Sendong that killed over 500 Filipinos with more than a hundred still missing.

As of Sunday, 22 Negrenses were reported killed in sudden flashfloods brought about by “Sendong” in Dumaguete City and the nearby towns of Sibulan, Valencia and San Jose.

Fourteen persons were also reported missing.

Flood also swept through downtown Dumaguete and other towns in the province, forcing hundreds of families to flee to higher grounds and evacuation centers.

A cargo ship, meanwhile, ran aground off the Dumaguete City pier following strong waves. Local authorities reported that at least 30 people, including crewmembers and their families, were rescued.

Rescuers held on to a rope as they form a human chain to rescue 32 passengers and crew of the ill-fated M/V Ever Transport III, which sank after running aground off Canday-ong, Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City at 4 a.m. Saturday, December 17.

Many parts of Negros Oriental were also powerless for most of the day, as toppled trees cut power lines until last Saturday.

Thousands of households in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental have been affected by “Sendong”, based on report of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Barangay Candau-ay has the most number of affected households, followed by Barangay 8. Most of the displaced families sought refuge in 21 evacuation centers that have been set up in villages around the city.

In Barangay 2, some of the affected families are currently staying along the road. Some of the typhoon victims in Barangay Balugo sought shelter in tents that were set up for them.

The evacuees have been staying in Mangga Chapel, West City Elementary School and Barangay Hall in Barangay 8; Bagacay Barangay Hall; Balugo Elementary School; Barangay Hall, San Jose Chapel, and Batingue Elementary School in Batinguel; Bunao Barangay Hall; San Jose Chapel in Cadawinonan; Calindagan Barangay Hall; Camanjac Elementary School and Camanjac High School in Camanjac; Barangay Hall, Presbyterian Chapel and Candau-ay Elementary School in Barangay Candau-ay; Northern Junob Training Center in Barangay Junob; Motong Barangay Hall; Barangay Hall and Sto. Nino Chapel in Barangay Tabuc-tubig; and West City Elementary School in Barangay Taclobo.

Local officials in Negros Oriental and Dumaguete said the damage caused by “Sendong” in the city is worse than the floods that struck Dumaguete last February 2009.