Over 11,800 remain in Bacolod shelters after Verbena floods

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — At least 11,860 individuals, or 4,246 families, remained in evacuation centers across Bacolod as of 8 p.m. on Nov. 25 following massive flooding triggered by Tropical Depression Verbena, according to the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).

The city initially recorded 5,312 families, or 15,875 individuals, seeking refuge in various evacuation sites.

Since then, 1,025 families, totaling 3,826 individuals, have returned home as floodwaters started to recede in several barangays.

Among the areas with the highest number of evacuees still in shelters are Brgy. 39 with 734 families (1,746 individuals); Brgy. Bata with 319 families (892 individuals); the Brgy. Banago–Domingo Lacson Evacuation Center with 325 families (898 individuals); the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Gym with 198 families (635 individuals); and the Batad Gym with 416 families (1,315 individuals).

Several evacuation sites have already been declared closed, including those in Brgy. 2, Mandalagan, Estefania, Villamonte, Brgy. 13, Brgy. 27, and Brgy. Alijis, as residents returned home.

City Hall reported that 2,191 food packs have been distributed as of the latest count.

Relief operations are ongoing in severely affected and still-inaccessible areas.

DSSD personnel, barangay responders, and emergency teams continue to assist families unable to return home due to persistent flooding, structural damage, or safety concerns.

Social workers are conducting household-level validation to assess the needs of affected families and identify those requiring further government assistance.

Mayor Greg Gasataya described the disaster as one of the most severe flooding events Bacolod has faced in years.

“Floodwater reached the roads,” Gasataya said, noting that residents observed a rapid surge of water flowing down from the uplands long after the rainfall had stopped, worsening the situation.

The mayor and city officials continue to monitor evacuation centers and coordinate relief operations as part of the city’s emergency response.