53 storm-affected areas under state of calamity

September 30 ------ There are 53 cities and municipalities that have been placed under a state of calamity following the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones ‘Mirasol,’ ‘Nando,’ and ‘Opong,’ the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

These areas are found in the following regions and provinces based on latest monitoring:

- Region I (Ilocos Region): Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

- Region II (Cagayan Valley): Province of Cagayan, including Calayan and Claveria

- Region V (Bicol Region): Province of Masbate

- Region VI (Western Visayas): Ibajay, Aklan

- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur

The declarations, made through various resolutions, allow local governments to access calamity funds, implement price controls on basic necessities, and expedite relief and recovery efforts. The NDRRMC said over 3.4 million people have been affected nationwide with 27 deaths; 23 of the reported fatalities are for validation, while four have already been confirmed.

The number of those reported injured remained at 33 (14 validated and 19 for validation), while those reported missing went up to 16—all for validation. A total of 30,265 families or 106,561 persons sought shelter in 1,607 evacuation centers while 22,771 families or 84,240 persons were served outside evacuation centers, the NDRRMC said.

Government agencies, local government units, and aid groups are ramping up relief distributions, road-clearing operations, and infrastructure repairs to restore normalcy in the affected regions.

Source: manilastandard.net