4 LGUs declare state of calamity due to floods

Three local government units in Negros Occidental—San Enrique town, Hinigaran town, and La Carlota City—as well as Valladolid town have declared a state of calamity due to heavy rains and floods affecting over 205,230 residents.

The weather disturbance is caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storms Ferdie and Helen, along with Tropical Depression Gener.

According to data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), 56,502 families in 261 villages across 25 local government units have been affected, with 7,936 individuals remaining in evacuation centers while others are staying outside these centers.

San Enrique town declared a state of calamity on Monday, September 16, as 29,000 residents were displaced by the flooding. Hinigaran and La Carlota City made their declarations on Wednesday, September 18, followed by Valladolid on Friday, September 20.

The swelling of the Ilog-Hilabangan River caused flooding in Kabankalan City and neighboring towns and cities, displacing thousands of residents on Tuesday night, September 17. The provincial government is considering a province-wide state of calamity.