The municipality of San Andres in Romblon has been declared under a State of Calamity due to extensive damage from the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and tropical storms Carina and Butchoy. This decision was based on a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan on Tuesday, July 23.
Jabez Gadon, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of San Andres, reported that the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, led by Mayor Arsenio Gadon, recommended the declaration of a State of Calamity.
MDRRMO Gadon stated that 1,378 families, or 70% of the households in the town, were affected by flooding.
“Almost 70% of the houses here were flooded. Even if some didn't sustain damage, they were still submerged. All barangays experienced flooding,” Gadon told PIA Romblon.
The adverse weather conditions caused landslides, river overflows, and flooding of an elementary school in Barangay Mabini.
According to the local government, as of July 23, the total damage to agriculture and infrastructure is estimated at 65 million pesos.
With the declaration of a State of Calamity, the local government can now access its quick response fund to assist the flood-affected families. However, resources are limited due to previous aid provided during the El Niño crisis.
“We can provide some assistance, but our funds are really tight because we also provided help during the El Niño event. Declaring a State of Calamity allows us to seek additional support from the national government,” Gadon explained. (with reports from PIA Romblon)
