Negros oriental: Despite the heavy rains brought by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) over the past few days, there have been zero casualties recorded in Negros Oriental, an official said Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adrian Sedillo, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), confirmed that the province has not reported any casualties despite the adverse weather conditions experienced since July 16. The weather in the province has shown significant improvement, but the provincial government remains vigilant as two low-pressure areas are being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Classes in all levels at private and public schools in Negros Oriental resumed on Monday following a two-day suspension on Thursday and Friday due to the storm. However, the latest situation report from the PDRRMO indicated that many areas in the province experienced heavy and extreme rainfall over the past six days. This led to flooding, landslides, rockslides, toppled trees and electric posts, and damage to several infrastructures. The inclement weather also caused power outages and forced several families to evacuate.
While no estimated amount of damage has been confirmed, Sedillo believes it to be minimal. He emphasized the crucial role of local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. Sedillo noted that emergency responders from the province, towns, and cities are better prepared now than in the past due to the implementation of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
He explained that before this act, people tended to rely on the police, military, and other security forces during disasters due to the lack of concrete guidelines and organizational structures for disaster response at the local level. Now, local government units are mandated to establish their DRRMOs, allocate budgets for manpower and logistics, and provide training for responders.
Sedillo pointed out that landslides, overflowing rivers, and flooding are natural occurrences given the country's susceptibility to these hazards. He stressed that awareness and education are crucial to ensuring that various community sectors collaborate with the government to minimize casualties during disasters.
