Local authorities are monitoring recovery efforts today after heavy rains triggered by a shear line caused widespread flooding and landslides across Negros Occidental this past Saturday.
The inclement weather forced thousands of residents into evacuation centers and claimed the life of an elderly woman in Sagay City.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) confirmed the death of 87-year-old Angelina Oro. Oro, who was bedridden, was unable to escape when floodwaters rapidly submerged her home at Purok River Hillside, Brgy. Fabrica.
Rescue operations were intense across Sagay, particularly in Brgy. Paraiso, where the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 45 individuals from houses near the swelling river. While in Calatrava, 75 families were successfully relocated to the Municipal Evacuation Center. While more than 5,000 residents were initially forced into public shelters.
The PDRRMC noted that the majority were able to return to their homes yesterday as weather conditions began to stabilize.
Recovery efforts are currently underway, particularly in Toboso where Mayor Richard Jaojoco reported landslides in Sitios Magtu-od and Polopangyan I, alongside significant infrastructure damage to footbridges in Barangay San Isidro.
Due to the lingering effects of the shear line and the extent of the damage, Mayor Jaojoco has ordered the suspension of classes at all levels today. Authorities continue to monitor the affected areas as residents begin the difficult task of clearing debris and assessing the full impact of the floods.
