City Government Assists 441 Families Amid Flooding; Northern Dredging Operations to Begin

The city government of Bacolod has provided emergency aid to 441 families displaced by flooding, with relief operations continuing through the Department of Social Services and Development.

Essential supplies including food packs, rice, blankets, mosquito nets, diapers, and hygiene kits are being distributed across eight coastal evacuation centers in northern barangays.

Mayor Greg Gasataya stayed overnight at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) command center from the evening of Friday, July 11, until the morning of Saturday, July 12, observing and coordinating rescue efforts before joining relief distributions at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School 2.

“Una gid nagapasalamat kita sa tanan nga mga volunteer groups nga nagabulig kay ti ang calls since last night asta sang kaagahon naga overwhelm kag nagapanawag nagapangayu assistance nga ma-rescue,” Mayor Gasataya said on the rescue efforts. (“First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude to all volunteer groups assisting us, as the overwhelming volume of rescue requests since last night until dawn has been non-stop.”)

Four-foot flood levels were recorded in Purok Tamburong, Mabinuligay, Pine Tree (Brgy. Bata), and parts of Banago and Mandalagan.

Additional affected areas include Barangays 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18, and Villamonte.

The mayor attributed flooding to urban development pressures and infrastructure challenges:

“Damu nga factor ang pagbaha sa aton. Isa ang urbanization… Resulta, sang una kon mag-ulan ang tubig nagapanaug sa duta. Subong, may mga concrete na ti sa mangita sang alagyan ang tubig sa pinakanubo kag dasig magkadto sa lowest point,” Mayor Greg said when asked about the causes of flood adding that clogged waterways and drainage also contributes to the problem. (“Multiple factors contribute to our flooding. Urbanization is one. Previously, rainwater would absorb into the soil. Now, concrete surfaces force water to seek the steepest paths to low-lying areas.”).

He also disclosed that an intensified dredging operations in northern waterways will start Monday, July 14.

Meantime, the city government urges residents in low-lying areas to remain alert if the monsoon rains continue.* (Bacolod City Communications Office text & photos)