BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is on heightened alert for tropical storm “Basyang” which is expected to affect the region by Friday, Feb. 6.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said that search and rescue (SAR) teams have been activated and placed on standby for possible deployment, while personnel, equipment, mobility assets, and communication systems are being readied to support continuous operations in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
All units have been directed to closely coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) to synchronize response actions and provide appropriate police assistance.
The public was advised to be alert and take necessary precautionary measures for the storm.
Twenty-one LGUs suspended their classes in Negros Occidental on Feb. 5 and 6 due to Basyang.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said classes were suspended on Thursday in San Carlos City, Cadiz City, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, Talisay City, Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Himamaylan City, Isabela, Hinigaran, La Castellana, Cauayan, and Hinoba-an.
Thursday classes were suspended in Manapla and Binalbagan, and only Friday classes were cancelled in Sipalay City, Toboso, and Moises Padilla.
The municipality of Calatrava extended class suspension until Feb. 9. The town experienced severe flooding on Jan. 31 due to the shear line.