Negros occidental: Several local government units (LGUs) in the southern region of Negros Occidental have suspended operations in government offices starting Thursday due to rising floodwaters caused by monsoon rains, which have been intensified by Tropical Depression Crising.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda announced the suspension of work until further notice, emphasizing the safety and well-being of constituents and government personnel. Mayor Miranda encouraged private sector entities to consider similar precautions to protect their employees and assets. As of 1:34 p.m., reports indicate that four barangays have been affected by the floods, prompting the establishment of five evacuation centers. The Kabankalan City Social Welfare and Development Office reported that at least 116 families, totaling 439 individuals, have been evacuated.
In the neighboring Himamaylan City, Mayor Raymund Tongson also declared a suspension of work in all government offices. However, essential services provided by frontline departments such as the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and City Health Office will remain operational to ensure public safety.
Similarly, in the town of Binalbagan, Mayor Emmanuel Aranda announced the suspension of work in all government offices from Thursday noon through Friday. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of government personnel and the public amidst dangerous weather conditions that could disrupt transportation, access to public services, and daily activities.
Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head Irene Bel Plote±a stated that reports of flooding have been received from the cities of Kabankalan and Himamaylan, as well as the municipalities of Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, Ilog, Cauayan, and Hinoba-an. She noted that some areas are experiencing knee-level floods, with certain locations in Ilog seeing waist-level waters. Plote±a assured that they are working closely with the concerned LGUs to coordinate any necessary response from the provincial government.
