BUTUAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) of Surigao del Sur, in a special session on Monday, declared the entire province under a state of calamity due to the devastation left by tropical storm ‘’Basyang.’’

In Resolution 762-26, the provincial board reported that 52.44 percent of the province's total population, or 89,816 families, consisting of 336,671 individuals, from 249 barangays in 19 municipalities, were directly affected by Basyang.

Of the total number of affected residents, 30 percent, or 101,324 individuals, were displaced, taking shelter in evacuation centers or with relatives or friends.

“With the fast-rising floods coupled with strong currents, the province has recorded an alarming incidence of landslides and soil erosion blocking road sections critical for the mobility of commuters, motorists, and commercial trucks and vehicles,” the resolution said.

Most of the blocked roads were documented in the towns of Cantilan, Madrid, Lanuza, Cortes, Tandag City, Tago, San Miguel, and Bayabas.

The resolution also reported the deaths of a 10-year-old child who was buried in a landslide in Cortes municipality, and a 53-year-old woman swept away by a flood surge in Carmen town.

The province also incurred P1.4 billion in damage to lifeline infrastructure, residences, roads, tourism, and the agriculture and fisheries sectors, according to the resolution.

The provincial board stated that the declaration of a state of calamity, as mandated under Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, necessitates remedial measures and expedites the provincial government’s relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Gov. Johnny Pimentel welcomed the provincial board’s move, saying it would fast-track relief efforts.

“We continue to work closely with all agencies to ensure immediate assistance reaches those who need it most,” Pimentel said. (PNA)