CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon have declared a state of calamity due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which has left at least 72 people dead across various parts of the region.
This declaration allows local authorities to utilize calamity funds, expediting relief and recovery efforts for affected individuals and communities. It also enables local government units to impose a freeze on the prices of basic necessities.
In Biñan City, one of the first local government units to declare a state of calamity, the declaration helps prevent price gouging and protects residents from rising costs of essential goods and services.
“The declaration of a state of calamity at a time like this is necessary so we can control prices of goods and expedite procurement, especially for emergency supplies like food,” Biñan City DRRM Officer Eugene Reyes explained.
Some areas in Biñan remain flooded nearly a week after Kristine’s onslaught.
The declaration also authorizes the city government to release local calamity funds to support affected households, restore damaged infrastructure, and address health concerns.
Reyes highlighted the positive impact of the state of calamity declaration, emphasizing that it also activates various benefits designed to help residents rebuild their lives.
“When we declare a state of calamity, we gain the means to truly recover. Prices of essential goods freeze, we can quickly respond to people’s needs, and we can utilize the calamity fund to help people.”
A state of calamity is a legal declaration by local or national governments in response to a disaster, such as a typhoon, earthquake, flood, or other crisis, which has caused widespread damage and disrupted normal living conditions.
Based on data from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Calabarzon, a total of 213,892 families, or 831,529 individuals, were affected by Kristine.
The estimated total damage to agriculture has reached P62,708,915.00, while damage to infrastructure is valued at P32,620,000.00.
The RDRRMC Calabarzon reports that local authorities are actively working to provide affected families with essential supplies and support as they continue relief and clearing operations. (AM/PIA4A)