Forced evacuations were implemented again recently in three barangays of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, due to heavy rains and mud flows.
Evacuated were residents of Brgy. Biak Na Bato, Masulog, and Cabagnaan in La Castellena.
Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan said that 54 more individuals were added to the list of displaced town residents, who are now staying at the La Castellana South Elementary School.
Mangilimutan led the town officials and policemen in the hauling and distribution of DWSD food packs, containers filled with potable water, sleeping and hygiene kits, medicines and vitamins, among other items, to the newly arrived evacuees, who were also given modular tents by the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
She reported that more than 1,400 families, composed of 4,000 individuals, are now staying in nine evacuation centers in La Castellana.
The newly evacuated individuals were rescued by vehicles of the municipal government.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that evacuees will have to stay in the evacuation centers until they are advised by the experts that it is safe to go home.
At the same time, Lacson assured them that the provincial government will continue to provide for their needs. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star)