367 families affected, floods cause 3-day class suspension

CONTINUOUS rains that triggered floods since Wednesday has caused suspension of classes in two schools in Pontevedra town, Negros Occidental, as well as affected some families.

Engineer Mayo Pelayo of the construction section of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Fourth District confirmed on Friday, August 3, that they were able to address the problem that caused the flooding at Catalino Soliguen National High School in Barangay Miranda, Miranda Elementary School and other neighboring areas.

The classes at the high school were suspended for three days while classes at the elementary school were also suspended yesterday due to flooding.

Pelayo said they decided to destroy the portion of the road in the barangay that caused the flooding and that they will immediately construct a footbridge in the area for it to be passable.

Also, 367 families were affected by flooding with 124 families in Barangay Miranda, 102 in Barangay San Isidro, 57 in Barangay Canroma, 24 in Barangay 2, and one in Barangay San Juan.

Food packs were extended by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

Zeaphard Caelian, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), also alerted everyone that rainy weather may continue until this weekend due to the southwest monsoon.

He reminded everyone especially those in flood-prone areas to be on alert and prepare necessary household stuff in case of flooding like flashlight, and extra clothing.

Caelian also said to keep in mind the location of the evacuation center in their area.

He reminded the barangays about the clearing of waterways to avoid flooding.

For his part, Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang cautioned everyone against leptospirosis, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis which usually occur and affect residents during rainy season, especially in thickly populated areas.

"Avoid wading on stagnant water, make sure and observe proper sanitation and always prepare clean water for the family," Tumimbang reminded the public.

The Provincial Government also suspended work on Friday per declaration of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod Anti-Baha Alliance led by Jean Trebol is asking the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) what needs to be done to address the flooding problem in the city.

The group emailed District Engineer Abraham Villareal on Friday stating, “it is unfortunate that the drainage project at 12th Lacson Street down to Mandalagan did not resolve the problem of flooding.”

They also want to know the assessment by DPWH regarding the flood on the East side of the city where the Government Center is located as well as in Magsungay-Araneta intersection.

They asked what DPWH will do to address the problem.

The Philippine Coast Guard said there is no cancellation of trips in the province despite heavy rains.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Vingno, commander of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Negros Occidental said operations of roll on-roll off (ro-ro) vessels, fast crafts, motorized boats continue.

"We have normal operations in all seaports," he added.

Vingno said there were also no reported stranded passengers in ports.

Quick response teams in all seaports were activated in case of emergencies.

It is manned by five personnel from K9 team, Special Operations Group, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams.

Coast Guard personnel are also deployed to assist passengers and check their safety. (Carla N. Cañet and Glazyl Y. Masculino)

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