BACOLOD CITY — Waters rose in 17 out of 26 villages in Victorias City, Negros Occidental early Friday morning following hours of torrential rains since Thursday night.
Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca ordered the suspension of classes in all levels as the local government implemented forced evacuation in affected areas, including the vicinity of Victorias Milling Company.
An evacuation center was set up at the City Coliseum while barangay halls were also opened to residents who sought shelter. They received food assistance from the city government.
Photos posted by some Victorias residents in their social media accounts showed the flooded areas.
The waters reached knee-deep and even rose to chest level in some areas, according to reports.
Palanca said in an interview that at least 3,000 households or 18,000 individuals were affected.
Some roads were also rendered impassable.
Palanca called for a series of meetings with stakeholders along with the Victorias City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to address the flood situation.
On Friday afternoon, the mayor also met with village chiefs and barangay representatives to discuss the updates and prepare the necessary measures to address the needs of affected residents. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
