BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Capitol and City Hall are rushing measures versus expected flooding as the rainy season comes and with it a La Niña weather event forecast to bring a “wetter” wet season and stronger storms.
Capitol disaster chief Irene Bel Plotena told DNX they are closely following warnings and advisories from State forecaster PAGASA (short for Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration) especially on rain and flooding.
She added her office is also coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government for pre- disaater risk assessments for disaster response plans of local governments.
The province has 32 towns and cities, some of it cities that are prone to floods and landslides during storms.
She added they have also set up a Water Search and Rescue Team and have already readied needed equipment aside from coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard’s Northern Negros Station to improve rescue operations.
At Camp Montelibano, Captain Judesses Catalogo said trained personnel for search and rescue are already on alert.
Catalogo, chief spokesman of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, said local police stations lso need to get additional equipment for search and rescue to improve their response during emergency cases.
Physician Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, on the other hand, said they will continue clearing operations on creeks and waterways that are usually flooded due to siltation and garbage.
