TACLOBAN CITY – The municipalities of Gandara and Basey in Samar have declared a state of calamity due to the damage caused by heavy rain and flood spawned by the shear line and low-pressure area (LPA) affecting Eastern Visayas.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Basey, during its special session on Wednesday, Jan. 11, approved Resolution No. 1, Series of 2023, placing the municipality under a state of calamity.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Gandara also passed a resolution during its special session on Jan. 11 due to the cumulative effects of continuous heavy rainfall in the locality.
These two towns reported evacuees from low-lying areas, especially those living near the river, and considerable damage to agriculture.
Work and classes on all levels remain suspended on Thursday, Jan. 12, in Basey and Catbalogan City and the Samar municipalities of Hinabangan, Marabut, Pinabacdao, and Santa Rita.
Classes on all levels were also cancelled in the municipalities of Daram and Pagsanghan in Samar.
Massive flooding has affected 4,288 families or 20,972 individuals in Samar.
As of 5:30 a.m. Thursday, the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tulay, Santa Rita, is impassable to light vehicles due to a two-feet flood.