BUTUAN CITY – Two towns in Agusan del Sur have been placed under a state of calamity due to flash floods caused by heavy rains from the shear line since Monday, January 15.
A LANDSLIDE caused by heavy rains blocks a road in Agusan del Sur. (FB)
The Agusan del Sur Provincial Information Office (PIO) said the towns of Veruela and Loreto were declared under a state of calamity on Wednesday, January 17, following severe flooding in 12 barangays and three barangays, respectively.
It also reported that some 6,560 families or more than 26,687 individuals were affected by flash floods in the province. Displaced families are staying in 43 evacuation centers in the province and several have sought refuge with families and friends.
Veruela had 3,284 families or 12,180 individuals affected and most of the barangay roads in the town are impassable.
The number is expected to increase as the PIO said it is awaiting a copy of the resolutions from the Sangguniang Bayan or municipal boards in these two towns declaring them under a state of calamity.
The provincial government is also awaiting the official report from the six river towns in the province, particularly Veruela and Loreto.
Areas under a state of calamity may utilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) for relief and recovery programs.
As of Thursday, January 18, damage to crops, livestock, and fisheries from the flash flood has reached P94.9 million with P3.2 million in infrastructure.
The towns of Trento, Bunawan, Santa Josefa, and La Paz, also in Agusan del Sur, were also severely affected by flash flood.
Agusan del Sur Rep. Adolph Edward “EddieBong” Plaza as well as the office of Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane have mobilized their offices to look after the immediate needs of flood victims.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-13 (Caraga) chief Engr. Pol M. delos Santos said on Thursday that their action and monitoring center based here is awaiting the official report of damage to infrastructure caused by the flash flood. A landslide in Bislig City has been cleared by the DPWH action team, Delos Santos said.