MANILA, Philippines — The entire province of Abra and San Simon town in Pampanga have been placed under a state of calamity due to widespread damage caused by the almost month-long heavy rains and strong winds spawned by the southwest monsoon.
In a resolution passed on Friday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Abra cited the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to declare a state of calamity after 23 of the 27 towns reported casualties and displaced families due to massive flooding.
It also cited damage to infrastructure and agriculture, which affected the livelihood of residents.
“The aftermath of this natural disaster renders it imperative for all branches of government and other concerned sectors especially local government units (LGUs) to address the same as its top priority,” the resolution read.
The provincial board stressed the need to mobilize and utilize funds of LGUs to provide immediate assistance as well as implement relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction measures.
In Pampanga, the PDRRMO said San Simon Mayor Leonora Wong reported that all the 14 barangays in her town were submerged in floodwaters that rose up to the three feet, affecting more than 3,000 families.
Municipal government employees, including Wong and her staff, moved to the Local Government Center in Barangay Sto. Niño to continue performing their duty because even the municipal hall was flooded.
“By declaring a state of calamity, the local government and our barangays can utilize disaster funds to help our kabalens who until today are still experiencing flooding,” Wong said.
The PDRRMO said relief operations were conducted to assist flood victims.