Residents near the Okoy River in Brgy. Magatas, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, were evacuated Tuesday, due to fear it might overflow because of typhoon “Lando.”

Magatas Kagawad Edgar Ablir said yesterday the residents were advised to transfer to higher grounds, to be safe in case of floodings.

The storm hit some portions of Central Visayas , including Cebu , and some areas in Western Visayas , Monday night.

Ablir said a larger portion of the Okoy riverbank used to be planted to corn, and are flooded every time typhoons hit the province.

He blamed this on the illegal quarry operation for sand and gravel in the Okoy River, that resulted in loosening soil and agricultural land.

Ablir said he will ask the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the provincial government to strictly enforce the regulations against illegal quarries.

He pointed out that this illegal activity has also affected residents in the nearby barangays of Calabnugan and Looc, in Sibulan.*MA

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