Flashfloods surged through Sitio Baliskad in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, around 2 p.m. on Monday, December 1, affecting at least 10 homes in the upland community, which has sections classified as high to moderate flood-risk zones.
Resident Aida Cabunag told Brigada News FM that heavy rains overwhelmed the area’s culvert—locally called a tamburong—because its small size causes it to clog easily during strong downpours.
Almost knee-level waters rushed down from the mountains, carrying stones and debris onto the national highway that connects to the southwestern portion of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The flood briefly slowed traffic, but the water receded within an hour, residents said.
Cabunag urged authorities to enlarge the culvert, saying a wider one would let water flow more freely during intense rains.
Mayor Benjie Miranda said the flash flood caught even him by surprise, noting that the sitio sits on elevated terrain but still received forceful runoff from higher slopes.
He said the city will assess possible solutions for at least 10 homes affected by the floodwaters.
In nearby Barangay Orong—located at a lower elevation—floodwaters also entered homes and damaged several properties.
No casualties were reported.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.