BACOLOD CITY – A total of 2,431 families were displaced by flooding in this highly-urbanized city and Talisay City, Negros Occidental, following hours of heavy rains from Friday night, July 11, to Saturday morning, July 12.

Data released by Mayor Greg Gasataya here on Saturday morning said 301 families composed of 875 individuals were evacuated in seven barangays in this city.

Eleven families were affected in Barangay 8; 106 in Barangay Banago; 54 in Barangay 17; 72 in Barangay Bata; 10 in Barangay Villamonte; eight in Barangay 10, and 40 in Barangay 3.

The city government has been conducting relief operations for evacuees. Clearing operation is ongoing.

Power in some affected barangays in this city have been restored.

In Talisay City, 2,130 families in 10 barangays were affected by flooding, said the City Social Welfare and Development Office – 120 in Barangay Zone 2, 60 in Barangay Zone 3, five in Barangay Zone 5, 52 in Barangay Zone 8, 300 in Barangay Zone 10, 10 in Barangay Zone 12, 32 in Barangay Zone 15, 682 in Barangay Zone 14, 480 in Barangay Zone 14-A, and 389 in Barangay Zone 14-B.

The city government appealed for donations, especially clothes, canned goods, ready to eat food, and blankets for affected residents.

“No act of kindness is ever too small, your help can make a big difference in their recovery,” said Mayor Rowena Lizares.

“As your mayor, I want to personally assure you that our city government is fully mobilized to address the challenges brought about by the heavy rains,” she said.

The local rescue team, in full coordination with police and CSWDO, is actively working on the ground, monitoring flood-prone areas, and conducting rescue operations.

“I urge everyone to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines issued by our authorities,” she said.