Tacloban City (CNN Philippines, November 23) — The provincial government of Eastern Samar declared a state of calamity on Wednesday due to massive flooding brought about by heavy rains.
Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Eastern Samar approved the resolution days after Northern Samar passed a similar declaration, as floodwaters from incessant rains engulfed the area.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said 12,817 families or 50,053 individuals were affected by the flooding brought about by the shear line – an area where warm and cold air meet – and a low pressure area.
About 1,648 families or 5,776 individuals are now staying in evacuation centers, churches, and municipal halls.
Most of the affected families are from the towns of Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Can-avid, Maydolong, and Maslog.
The PDRRMO estimated an initial damage to agriculture and crops in the towns of Dolores and Maydolong at ₱4.3 million, mostly to rice fields, vegetable farms, and root crops.
Several national roads in the province were also rendered impassable by flooding and landslides.
With the weather improving on Wednesday, local government units were able to expand the distribution of relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to severely affected communities.
Tacloban City-based journalist Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report.
