Torrential rains brought by Tropical Depression Verbena displaced at least 8,375 individuals from 2,543 families, who sought shelter in various evacuation centers, in this highly urbanized city on Tuesday.

As of 5:30 p.m., data from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) showed the affected Bacolodnons stayed in almost 60 evacuation centers, including schools, village halls, gymnasiums, churches, and community centers, situated in about 30 barangays.

Hardest hit was Barangay Singcang-Airport, which recorded 5,825 evacuees in nine evacuation centers.

Flooding in the village, particularly in Purok Mars, reached ceiling height, sending residents to the rooftops while awaiting rescue.

Rising floodwaters rendered 11 roads impassable, but traffic resumed a few hours after the floods subsided.

In an interview, Mayor Greg Gasataya said water levels in some of the city’s major riverways rose and overflowed during non-stop rains between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., resulting in massive flooding in adjacent areas.

“The floodwaters subsided around 9 a.m.,” he added.

Gasataya said some residents evacuated early, but there were those who refused to leave their homes and were rescued.

The mayor said the city government distributed relief supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, especially to the displaced families in Purok Mars.

“We are expediting the preparation of more relief food packs for distribution in the evacuation centers,” he added.

Aside from Barangay Singcang-Airport, also affected by floods are portions of Barangays Bata, Banago, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Taculing, Cabug, Montevista, Mandalagan, Estefania, Granada, Villamonte, Alijis, Tangub, Sum-ag, as well as Barangays 1, 2, 3, 5,8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 27, 31, 35, 36, 40, and 41. (PNA)