
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. suggested on Wednesday, July 24, to President Marcos to place Metro Manila under a state of calamity after heavy rains caused widespread flooding in the large portion of the area due to typhoon "Carina".
Abalos explained that the declaration of a state of calamity provides the affected local government units (LGUs) access to additional funds “for calamity response and imposes a price freeze on basic goods.’’
“Because of what is happening, Mr. President, lalo na sa Metro Manila, ang rekomendasyon po namin po rito baka puwedeng mai-declare po natin ang state of calamity ang Metro Manila. 'Yun po ang napag-usapan namin kanina (especially in Metro Manila, our recommendation is if it is possible that a state of calamity be declared in Metro Manila),’’ Abalos said during the situation briefing with the President and other government officials.
Large portions of Metro Manila and its adjacent areas were flooded due to heavy overnight rains caused by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and enhanced further by Typhoon Carina in the north.
Government offices were shut and classes suspended while more than 70 domestic and international flights were canceled due to the inclement weather.