Floodwaters hit several barangays in Bacolod City after heavy downpour

Several barangays in Bacolod City were flooded after hours of a continuous and heavy downpour on Friday evening.

Commuters were stranded for several hours while some waded through neck deep floodwaters to reach their destination.

Some residents braved the flood to save their properties and animals.

Based on the initial reports of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), other flooded areas are Barangays 27, 28, Singcang-Airport, 35, 40, 41, Pahanocoy, Alijis, Taculing, Mansilingan, Mandalagan, Tangub, Bata, 2, 14, and Sum-ag.

At least 80 families from the affected areas are temporarily sheltered in various evacuation centers like schools and barangay halls, the CDRRMO reported.

Meanwhile, no casualties were reported as of press time.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said rescue vehicles were deployed while the trucks of the city's garbage collection contractor provided free-rides to stranded passengers and evacuees.

Leonardia urged residents to be vigilant, take necessary precautions and to immediately evacuate if necessary.

Aside from Bacolod City, floods also hit other localities in Negros Occidental including the cities of Bago, Talisay, and La Carlota, and towns of Hinobaan, Murcia, Binalbagan, and Pontevedra.

Aside from floods, a landslide was earlier reported in Sipalay City.

The water level had already subsided.  Authorities, however, are strictly monitoring high-risk areas and danger zones. — BAP, GMA News