Bacolod City- In the wake of Tropical Depression Verbena, the Bacolod City government will prioritize the preparation of a suitable relocation site for the affected residents before the clearing process officially begins.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the city is set to intensify clearing operations targeting homes located in danger zones, specifically those situated along creeks and riverways.
The city government is also focusing on other measures to mitigate flooding and environmental hazards that includes apprehending individuals illegally dumping trash in the city, which is a major contributing factor to the clogging of drainage systems and waterways
The City Legal Office has already issued a notice to vacate for approximately 20 houses located within the riverways of Barangay 2, according to the mayor.
According to data from Bacolod Emergency Operations Center, the three-hour rainfall yesterday was measured 77mm, or equivalent to seven days of rain.
Flood waters overflowed from Lupit Bridge, Mambulok Creek, Banago River, and Magsungay River, and Mandalagan River.
So far, a total of 2,543 families or 8,375 individuals in Bacolod Bacolod City were affected by the Tropical Depression Verbena to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Meanwhile, City Government released food packs recently to about 3,000 Bacolod residents who sought shelter in various evacuation centers in the city, due to flooding caused by Tropical Depression Verbena.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said that due to the heavy volume of rain, all rivers in the city overflowed, which resulted in flooded roads. These waters came from Don Salvador Benedicto, Murcia, Talisay, and Silay. (Theresa Mae Dulman/ Chrysee Semillano via tvds photo by tvds)