BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – No storm-related incidents in the province were reported over the last 48 hours since Ursula entered Philippine territory.
The government, however, here has to tend to the needs of more than 200 passengers awaiting their ship to the Philippine capital after the Coast Guard suspended commercial trips after storm signals were hoisted over various areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“We are thankful, however, for no one was reported killed, hurt or missing in the province,” provincial disaster chief Zeaphard Caelian told DNX minutes after PAGASA lifted all storm signals over Negros Occidental.
In the city, disaster czar Joemarie Vargas said they received no reports of storm-related incidents.
The flash floods Vargas had earlier warned against also did not happen as rains did not become heavy in the towns of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto that would influence floods here when riverwaters swell.
Caelian, meanwhile, said only Cadiz City reported strong winds as Ursula barreled across the Visayas.
“We can sleep well now knowing the worst is over,” he added.
“Until the next storm, Merry Christmas,” Vargas said.
