Negros Occidental floods kill 2, displace over 70,000

Flash floods triggered by continuous heavy rains since Friday, January 8 ravaged 7 localities in northern Negros Occidental, leaving two people dead and displacing more than 70,000.

The first fatality was identified as 43-year-old Marvito Lumanog of Barangay Guimbalaon in Silay City, who was trapped when his house collapsed on Saturday, January 9.

On Sunday, January 10, the body of pedicab driver Ulyses Escamilla was found in Minuluan River in Barangay Zone 11, Talisay City.

The calamity happened a week after an earlier flash flood hit 4 localities – the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, and EB Magalona town – in the third district of Negros Occidental during the New Year.

The local governments of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias have already declared a state of calamity.

As of Sunday night, more than 70,000 individuals or over 18,000 families were displaced by the current flash floods.

Silay City reported that 28,811 individuals or 9,020 families were affected, while 119 houses were destroyed and 17 others were damaged.

A bridge at Malisbog Sitio Pulo in Barangay Hawaiian was also destroyed, said Silay City councilor Ryan Gamboa, adding that locals had to improvise a zipline so people could cross to the other side of the river and send food and relief goods to affected residents.

EB Magalona town reported that 16,890 individuals or 3,339 families were displaced.

In Talisay City, 16,456 persons or 3,233 families were displaced with 18 houses destroyed and 98 damaged.

Around 6,281 individuals or 1,274 families in Victorias City were affected, with 17 houses destroyed and 56 damaged.

Over at the province’s second district, Sagay City reported that 7,755 of its residents or 1,551 families were affected, while two houses were damaged.

In neighboring Cadiz City, 712 individuals or 162 families were affected, while two houses were damaged.

Escalante City, which is part of the province’s first district, reported that 63 individuals or 15 families were affected, while two houses were destroyed. – Rappler.com