Bacolod City Grapples with Widespread Flooding from Shear Line Rainfall
Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, faced significant disruption as heavy rainfall triggered by a shear line weather system led to extensive flooding across multiple areas on January 31, 2026. Official reports confirm that at least 24 out of the city's 62 barangays were impacted by the sudden inundation, highlighting the severity of the weather event.
Affected Communities and Immediate Response
According to records from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the flooding displaced a total of 48 families, comprising 171 individuals, who were forced to evacuate to designated centers within their barangays on Saturday. The affected barangays include:
- Barangay 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 17, 19, 20, 31, 35, 36, 39, 40
- Taculing
- Villamonte
- Singcang-Airport
- Pahanocoy
- Cabug
- Granada
- Banago
- Mandalagan
- Montevista
- Bata
In response to the crisis, the DRRMO, in coordination with the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), swiftly provided relief packs to the affected families. This effort aimed to support those displaced and ensure their basic needs were met during the evacuation period.
Causes and Mitigation Efforts
The flooding was primarily attributed to the heavy volume of rain brought by the shear line, a weather system affecting parts of the country. City officials noted that many rivers overflowed due to the intense precipitation, particularly from mountainous and eastern portions of Bacolod City, causing floodwaters to rise rapidly.
To address the situation, personnel from the City Engineer’s Office Rapid Drainage Response Team conducted clearing and declogging operations along major roads and streets affected by the flooding. These measures were implemented to help ensure water flows freely and reduce further damage to infrastructure.
Ongoing Monitoring and Weather Warnings
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is closely monitoring water levels in the city’s rivers and creeks, especially with high tide peaks reaching around 2.03 meters around 10 p.m. This vigilance is crucial for anticipating potential escalations in flooding and coordinating timely responses.
Adding to the urgency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a Yellow Heavy Rainfall Warning Advisory for Bacolod City at 8 p.m. due to the shear line. This warning underscores the continued risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the area, prompting residents and authorities to remain alert.
The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban centers like Bacolod during extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of robust disaster preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural hazards.
