BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered intensified dredging operations starting Monday, July 14, after a flood swamped this city over the weekend.

Gasataya said the activity focusing on northern waterways is in response to the severe flooding that inundated various areas following prolonged heavy rains from Friday night, July 11, to Saturday morning, July 12.

He emphasized the urgency of the operation to mitigate future flooding.

Gasataya said that multiple factors contributed to the flooding, among them urban development pressures and infrastructure challenges.

“Urbanization is one. Previously, rainwater would absorb into the soil. Now, concrete surfaces force water to seek the steepest paths to low-lying areas,” Gasataya said, adding that clogged waterways and drainage also contributed to the problem.

Four-foot flood was recorded in Purok Tamburong, Mabinuligay, and Pine Tree in Barangay Bata, and parts of Barangay Banago and Mandalagan. Barangays 1, 3, 8, 10, 17, 18, and Villamonte were also affected.

Severe flooding in Santa Clara Subdivision in Barangay Mandalagan and Barangay Banago was attributed to not just heavy rain but also rising tides that filled outfalls and prevented water from draining out to sea.

With nowhere else to go, the water surged back into the streets, according to the city government.

The city said that this is not an isolated issue. Climate change, accelerated urban growth, and outdated infrastructure are converging to challenge this city’s resilience, it said.

The city acknowledged the people’s frustration and assured that immediate measures are being implemented, with major long-term drainage improvements already in motion.

The city committed to facing these complex problems with transparency, urgency, and unity.

The city government has provided emergency assistance to 441 displaced families, with relief operations continuing through the Department of Social Services and Development.

Essential supplies, including food packs, rice, blankets, mosquito nets, diapers, and hygiene kits, are being distributed across eight coastal evacuation centers in northern barangays.

Gasataya thanked volunteer groups for their assistance as the overwhelming volume of rescue requests from Friday night to dawn has been non-stop.

He directed the city government, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, to deploy essential goods to barangays affected by flooding.

The city government urged residents in low-lying areas to always be on alert. "Let's stay vigilant and work together to overcome this challenge."

The Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR), together with the Talisay City Health Office, provided much-needed assistance to affected residents in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Thirty hygiene kits and 1,000 doxycycline tablets were delivered for individuals at risk of leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases.

Health authorities reminded the public to avoid wading through floodwater, especially if they have cuts or wounds. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, body pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes manifest.

Mayor Rowena Lizares visited the affected communities and assured them that the city government is on top of the situation and willing to provide their necessities.

More than 2,000 families have been displaced by flooding in 10 barangays in Talisay City.

"We continue our efforts to help everyone, without being selective," Lizares said.