6 drown in Negros Occidental floods

Carmela Fonbuena

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(UPDATED) The provincial board is expected to pass a resolution declaring a province-wide state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Six persons drowned in floods caused by days of heavy rain in Negros Occidental province in the Central Visayas region, the civil defense office reported on Tuesday, October 8.

In the neighboring island of Panay, two others, including a 5-year-old girl, died in flash floods.

At least 15 towns and cities in Negros Occidental were heavily affected by the rains, prompting Governor Alfredo Marañon to recommend the declaration of a province-wide state of calamity.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, composed of the vice governor and board members, is expected to approve the recommendation when it convenes on Wednesday, October 9. 

A declaration of state of calamity will allow the province to use its P28-million quick-response funds, a portion of the province’s calamity fund. 

Among the worst hit is Ilog, a low-lying town in the southern portion of province. Ilog has declared a state of calamity, according to Representative Mercedes Alvarez. 

Up to 80% of Ilog was flooded and 5,000 families were affected, according to Alvarez. The waters have subsided. Only 3 barangays remain flooded, she told Rappler.

Damage to agriculture in the 15 LGUs is widespread. There’s fear the rains will return Tuesday afternoon, according to Eric Loretizo, executive assistant of Marañon. 

Negros Occidental is the country’s sugar capital. In llog, sugarcane and rice crops were damaged. Other forms of livelihood, including fisheries, are also affected, said Alvarez. 

The 15 affected LGUs are the following: 

1. Cauyan

2. Hinoba-an

3. Ilog

4. Candoni

5. Kabankalan City

6. Sipalay City

7. Moises padilla

8. Binalbagan

9. Hinigaran

10. Himamaylan

11. Isabela

12. La Castellana

13. Don salvador bendito

14. San Enrique

15. La Carlota 

–  with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

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