Calabarzon areas under state of calamity

Metro Manila, Philippines — Some provinces and municipalities in a region next to Metro Manila are now under a state of calamity in the wake of massive damage from non-stop rains brought by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

A number of local government units in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) have declared a state of calamity as well, after the same was declared for Metro Manila.

On Wednesday, Batangas declared a state of calamity following recommendations from its provincial disaster unit. The province was earlier placed under a state of emergency.

“Upon assessment by the PDRRMC (provincial disaster risk reduction and management council), as of this morning, 24 July 2024, the declared state of emergency has been withdrawn, and the PDRRMC recommended to the governor that a state of calamity instead be declared, which is an appropriate declaration,” a statement from the Batangas information office said.

Four deaths were reported in Agoncillo, Batangas on Wednesday from landslides triggered by continuous rains.

Cavite also declared a state of calamity Wednesday night. The local government has suspended classes and work in government offices.

The municipality of Cainta in Rizal followed suit after severe flooding and huge damage.

“We will continue to provide relief and to conduct rescue operations with the goal of restoring our town,” Cainta Mayor Elenito Nieto said in a statement on Facebook.

As of July 25, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 14 deaths due to weather disturbances. The typhoon and southwest monsoon have so far affected over 1.1 million people.

Typhoon Carina left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning. - Lance Mejico