Tropical Depression Verbena Causes Massive Flooding, Displaces Over 2,500 Families in Bacolod City

Tropical Depression Verbena unleashed heavy rainfall across Bacolod City, inundating 31 barangays and forcing the evacuation of 2,543 families, totaling approximately 8,375 individuals, as reported on November 25 by the Bacolod City Communications Office.

Floodwaters reaching depths of up to six feet submerged homes in Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport, prompting residents to seek refuge on rooftops and call for assistance by mid-morning. Rescue teams from the Bacolod Bureau of Fire Protection alongside various volunteer groups urgently evacuated hundreds of affected individuals.

Initial assessments from the City Social Services and Development Office (DSSD) confirmed these displacement figures, noting that about 20 families were evacuated preemptively. While some residents were initially reluctant to leave, rising flood levels ultimately compelled most to evacuate.

The flooding caused widespread power outages across several barangays and led to the temporary closure of 11 roads. Overflowing rivers including Magsungay, Lupit, Mambuloc, Banago, and Mandalagan, combined with heavy runoff from adjacent municipalities such as Murcia, Talisay, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Silay, intensified the flooding in low-lying sectors.

Mayor Greg Gasataya highlighted the extraordinary rainfall, noting that while the city usually receives an average of 10 mm daily, between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Tuesday alone, Bacolod recorded 70.50 mm of rain, excluding additional runoff from surrounding areas.

Emphasizing the importance of community involvement in managing flood risks, Mayor Gasataya stated, "We need everyone’s cooperation and understanding. The city can prepare at any time, but lasting solutions, especially in waste management, depend on all of us. Our rivers overflowed and some areas flooded quickly. We’re doing everything we can on the ground, but the barangays and communities must assist in keeping waterways clear."

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported amid the flooding crisis.

Relief operations are ongoing, with the DSSD distributing 2,191 family food packs to the most severely affected barangays: 1,200 in Barangay Singcang-Airport, 734 in Barangay 39, 50 in Barangay Mansilingan (including 15 at JJ Gonzaga and 35 at Barangay Gym), and 207 in Barangay Taculing (171 at BCNHS, 16 at the Community Center, and 20 at Puentevella).