Recent flooding in Bacolod City and Talisay City, Negros Occidental, has displaced approximately 2,500 families. Triggered by persistent monsoon rains that began Friday night, water levels rose as high as four feet in several areas. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya attributed the widespread flooding to a combination of rapid urban development and ongoing infrastructure challenges. The increasing number of impermeable surfaces, the obstruction of natural waterways, and inadequate drainage systems have diminished the city’s ability to absorb heavy rainfall, making it particularly vulnerable during extreme weather events.
The impact on local communities has been immediate and severe. In Bacolod City, 441 families were forced to evacuate from low-lying areas, while in Talisay City, 2,130 families were reported displaced. Floodwaters inundated multiple barangays, including Puroks Tamburong, Mabinuligay, and Pine Tree in Barangay Bata, as well as parts of Banago and Mandalagan. Additional flooding was also reported in Barangays 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18, and Villamonte. Local authorities responded quickly, providing emergency aid and establishing evacuation centers where essential supplies, including food packs, rice, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, diapers, and blankets, were distributed with support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
In Talisay, the city government deployed a mobile kitchen to evacuation centers, offering hot meals to displaced residents. To address potential health risks, the city health office conducted medical consultations and distributed Doxycycline to prevent leptospirosis infections among those exposed to floodwaters.
As response efforts continue, the situation highlights the urgent need for both immediate preparedness and long-term adaptation. Communities—particularly those in flood-prone areas—are encouraged to remain alert, participate in local disaster risk reduction programs, and stay informed through official advisories. Strengthening public awareness on sanitation, disease prevention, and emergency evacuation procedures is also essential.
Looking ahead, building community resilience requires sustained investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, proper land use planning, and the rehabilitation of natural drainage systems. Collaboration among local government units, civil society organizations, and community members will be critical in developing a comprehensive strategy to reduce vulnerability and enhance the capacity to recover from future disasters.
