Bacolod: This highly urbanized city continues to conduct clearing operations for fallen trees as well as water rationing in areas without water supply due to power outage after the onslaught of Typhoon Tino on Nov. 4. In an interview on Monday, Mayor Greg Gasataya said of the more than 300 reports on post-typhoon obstructions they received, more than half have been cleared.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Gasataya reported that the city is at 60 percent completion in clearing operations. Responding to many barangays has been challenging, especially focusing on trees that toppled down the electrical posts. Additional manpower has been deployed to expedite the clearing operations. Over the weekend, Gasataya ordered the deployment of job order workers from various departments to assist in the clearing operations, particularly in the interior roads and residential subdivisions.
The City Engineer’s Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, and other concerned departments are leading the ongoing work. Eight inter-departmental clearing clusters have been organized, with each cluster assigned to specific areas to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and restore safe access to public roads and facilities. Gasataya emphasized maximizing available manpower to ensure Bacolod recovers swiftly, highlighting the vital role of JO personnel in making streets, barangays, and public spaces safe.
He urged residents to remain cautious and report remaining hazards or debris through their barangay offices or the Emergency Operations Center hotlines as citywide restoration and clearing efforts continue. Meanwhile, 55 households in Purok Paho, Barangay Felisa, received drinking water supplied by the city government on Monday, addressing issues caused by power interruption impacting PrimeWater Bacolod City wells.
On Sunday, potable water delivery reached affected communities, including Barangays 1, 2, 10, 35, Punta Taytay, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, Bata, Villamonte, and various relocation sites and evacuation centers, with at least 1,579 gallons distributed. The City Council’s resolution declaring a state of calamity on Nov. 6 cited data from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which outlined the preemptive evacuation of 7,895 families or 27,401 individuals in Bacolod.
According to the Emergency Operations Center, 266 houses were destroyed and 2,028 were partially damaged due to storm surges in coastal areas, strong winds, and fallen trees.
