Acting Bacolod Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson yesterday said classes will resume today in the collegiate level but will remain suspended in the elementary and high school levels as Bacolod City remained under storm signal number 2 yesterday.

The effects of typhoon Pablo were expected to be felt last night. Because of its strong power at 160 to 175 kph, the City Disaster Management team remained on full alert, while residents were advised to keep in close contact with their barangay officials.

Sayson said employees of the city government were sent home at about 4 p.m. yesterday.

Many residents of coastal areas in Bacolod City that are prone to flooding, have packed their bags in preparation for evacuation should typhoon Pablo bring in heavy rains as expected late last night.

Barangay Banago Secretary Dionisio de la Cruz said about 500 residents are located in areas often hit by flashfloods. Two schools and a church have been opened for possible evacuation and vehicles are on standby for any eventuality, he said.

Sayson said the Department of Social Services and Development has prepared gift packs for distribution in case of an evacuation and the city has withdrawn 50 sacks of rice from the National Food Authority, aside from another 50 sacks on standby, in case the need arises.

Joemarie Vargas, DRMMO head, said they have rescue logistics on standby and ready for deployment although they expect typhoon Pablo to leave Negros Occidental today and be on its way to Palawan.

He said the evacuation centers in Bacolod in the Domingo Lacson National High School in Brgy. Banago, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School for Barangays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Bata National High School in Bata; Education and Training Center School I, II and III in Brgy. 16; Medalla Elementary School in Brgy. Pahanocoy;

C.V. Ramos Elementary School in Brgy. Taculing, Medel Elementary School in Tangub; and J.R. Torres Elementary School in Singcang.

Cheryl Tortal, Central Negros Electric Cooperative Consumer’s Protection head, said their crew are also on standby so they can respond to any eventuality immediately.*CGS

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