Six Dead in Negros Occidental Floods Early Rescue Efforts
In Negros Occidental, six people tragically lost their lives as widespread flooding forced many residents to evacuate. The situation unfolded during heavy rains caused by Tropical Depression Crising and the southwest monsoon. Although most evacuees returned home by Monday, July 21, the toll from the disaster remains a somber reminder of the storm’s impact.
Among the victims were a 12-year-old boy and an 84-year-old person with a disability, both from Binalbagan town. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that these deaths occurred during the height of the flooding and overflow.
Victims of Floods and Currents
Daniel Agustin, 12, experienced an epileptic seizure while crossing an overflow in Sitio Mangahoykahoy, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, on Saturday, July 19. Sadly, strong currents swept him away. On an earlier date, Thursday, July 17, Asuncion Subong, 84, who had a disability, drowned on the first floor of her flooded home in Sitio Bakyas, Barangay San Jose, also in Binalbagan.
Other victims included Glen Francisco Trejero, 30, a fisherman from Barangay Old Sagay in Sagay City. He was reported missing at sea on Thursday but was found deceased on Sunday. Similarly, Mejhon Cordero, 44, from Hacienda Benedicto, Barangay Cabadiangan, Himamaylan City, fell into an overflow in Barangay Biao, Binalbagan town, and was reported missing on Friday. His body was recovered floating in the Pangiplan River in Barangay Payao, Binalbagan, on Sunday afternoon.
Electrocution Incident Amid Heavy Rains
A separate tragedy occurred in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, where two individuals were electrocuted during heavy rains on Thursday, July 17. A household helper named Jornalyn Omaque, 36, was hanging laundry at her employer’s house in Purok Daisy, Barangay Talacagay, when she accidentally touched a clothesline energized by an exposed electrical wire. Florante Janoy, 40, a house painter who attempted to rescue her, was also electrocuted. This incident was confirmed by local disaster officials.
Widespread Flood Impact Across Negros Occidental
The floods affected 139 barangays across 18 towns and cities, impacting nearly 19,000 families. The hardest hit areas included Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela, Sipalay City, Kabankalan City, Himamaylan City, Ilog, Candoni, Hinigaran, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, Valladolid, La Castellana, Bago City, La Carlota City, and San Enrique.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and assist communities in recovery efforts. Early rescue operations proved vital in saving numerous lives, though the disaster’s aftermath still poses significant challenges for residents and officials alike.
For more news and updates on Negros Occidental floods, visit Filipinokami.com.
