A preemptive evacuation was facilitated by personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Bacolod City after the trough of Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) dumped heavy rains in the city at dawn of October 21, 2024.

Floodwaters reached neck-deep in Purok Maninihon in Barangay Pahanocoy and Purok Fatima Dos Isla Noah in Barangay Sum-ag. Over 300 individuals were evacuated. 

The Local Government Unit of Bacolod City said that the operation went tough because several residents refused to cooperate.

“Ang mga tao sa community, ayaw talaga nilang mag-evacuate unless critical na. Mahirap talaga not because of the responders but sa willingness ng tao,” Eunice Ciocon, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said.

At least 30 individuals sought temporary shelter at an evacuation center.

“Nang nag-2:30 a.m. na, umabot na sa dibdib ang tubig, lumikas na kami para hindi kami ma-trap, mahirap kasi ang sitwasyon sa loob,” Arlene Janobas, an evacuee, narrated.

“Importante, maliban sa dalawa kong apo, nagpapasalamat kami na nandito kami,” Nemia Jamelo, another evacuee, said.

Meanwhile, the towns of EB Magalona, and the Cities of Cadiz and Silay declared suspension of classes on October 21, 2024.

Based on a report of the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, flooding was also monitored in areas in the Cities of Sagay, Cadiz, and Bago.