By Christian Dee
MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, the municipality of Gandara in Samar province has declared a state of calamity due to inclement weather experienced in the area brought by the low-pressure area.
The cumulative effects of continuous heavy rainfall in the entire municipality made the local officials to issue a resolution placing the said area under the state of calamity.
According to the resolution, the municipality is geographically located along the river which makes it heavily affected by the heavy rains.
The resolution also indicates the belief that the continuous heavy rainfall in the area might result to flashfloods, soil erosion, landslides, and other damages in agriculture, infrastructure and properties, and other worse effects like endangering lives of its residents.
There are also reports of flooding in many barangays in the municipality according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The Municipal Agricultural Office has also reported regarding the considerable volume crops that were damaged by the said circumstance.
“As the after effects of the flood are still felt up to the present, there is an urgent need to declare a State of Calamity in Gandara to utilize appropriate funds in providing assistance to all affected residents as well as relief assistance in every barangay,” the resolution read.
“Be it resolved, as resolved by the Sangguniang Bayan in a session duly assembled, to declare the entire municipality of Gandara, Samar in a state of calamity due to the cumulative effects of continuous heavy rainfall in the locality,” it added.
The resolution made by the local council was approved and signed by Warren Aguilar, the Mayor of the said municipality.