BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city continues to conduct clearing operations for fallen trees as well as water rationing in areas without water supply due to power outage after the onslaught of typhoon “Tino” on Nov. 4.

In an interview on Monday, Mayor Greg Gasataya said of the more than 300 reports on post-typhoon obstructions they received, more than half have been cleared.

“It’s safe to say we’re at 60 percent. It’s a bit challenging because we have to respond to many barangays. Our focus now is on the trees that toppled down the electrical posts. We added manpower today to expedite the clearing operations,” he added.

Over the weekend, Gasataya ordered the deployment of job order (JO) workers from various departments to assist in the clearing operations, particularly in the interior roads and residential subdivisions.

The ongoing work is led by the City Engineer’s Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, and other concerned departments.

Eight inter-departmental clearing clusters have been organized, with each cluster assigned to specific areas to clear debris, remove fallen trees, and restore safe access to public roads and facilities.

“We are maximizing every available manpower to make sure Bacolod recovers faster. Our JO personnel play a vital role in ensuring that every street, every barangay, and every public space is cleared and safe,” Gasataya said.

He urged Bacolodnons to remain cautious and report remaining hazards or debris through their barangay offices or the Emergency Operations Center hotlines as citywide restoration and clearing efforts continue.

Meanwhile, 55 households in Purok Paho, Barangay Felisa, were among those who availed of the drinking water supply being distributed by the city government on Monday.

The operations of several PrimeWater Bacolod City wells have been affected by the power interruption caused by Tino.

On Sunday, at least 1,579 gallons of potable water were delivered in the affected communities of Barangays 1, 2, 10, 35, Punta Taytay, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, Bata, Villamonte, as well as in various relocation sites and evacuation centers.

In the resolution of the City Council declaring a state of calamity on Nov. 6, it cited the data from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office that 7,895 families or 27,401 individuals were preemptively evacuated in the city.

According to the Emergency Operations Center, 266 houses were destroyed and 2,028 were partially damaged due to storm surges in coastal areas, strong winds, and fallen trees. (PNA)