Negros Occidental Governor Declares Red Alert for Tropical Cyclone Basyang
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has officially raised the alert status at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Red Alert Status. This critical measure is in direct response to the approaching Tropical Cyclone Basyang, effective from 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and will remain in place until weather conditions show significant improvement across the province.
Governor Lacson Emphasizes Preparedness Amidst Rainfall Concerns
Governor Lacson explained that he signed the order due to expectations of rainfall similar to the intense downpours experienced just last week. He stated, "We are hoping that it will slow down, but it's better to be prepared." This proactive stance underscores the provincial government's commitment to safeguarding residents from potential hazards associated with the tropical cyclone.
Activation of Provincial Response Clusters
In line with the Red Alert declaration, all provincial response clusters have been fully activated to ensure a coordinated and effective disaster response. The activated clusters include:
- Camp coordination and camp management
- Food and non-food items distribution
- Logistics support
- Search, rescue, and retrieval operations
- Health services
- Law and order maintenance
- Clearing and civil works
- Education-related initiatives
This comprehensive activation aims to address various aspects of emergency management, from immediate rescue efforts to long-term recovery support.
Local Government Units Empowered for Preemptive Evacuation
Governor Lacson clarified that the responsibility for implementing preemptive evacuation measures now rests with the local government units (LGUs). This decentralized approach allows LGUs to make timely decisions based on local conditions and the specific needs of their communities, enhancing the overall responsiveness to the tropical cyclone threat.
Monitoring Tropical Cyclone Basyang's Path and Impact
Governor Lacson indicated that Tropical Cyclone Basyang may potentially impact the southern areas of Negros Occidental. The provincial authorities are closely monitoring updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to track the cyclone's movement and intensity. According to Pagasa's 11 a.m. weather forecast, Basyang maintained its strength while moving southwestward east of Mindanao, with no wind signals currently in effect over Negros Occidental.
Recent Weather-Related Disruptions in Negros Occidental
This alert follows recent weather-related incidents in the province. On February 3, several LGUs in Negros Occidental, including the cities of Escalante and Cadiz, as well as the municipality of Calatrava, declared the suspension of classes due to heavy rainfall caused by a shear line. Additionally, on January 31 and February 1, 2026, at least six LGUs, including Bacolod City, were affected by flooding resulting from similar heavy rainfall brought by a shear line. These events highlight the ongoing vulnerability of the region to adverse weather conditions and the importance of the current Red Alert status.
