Continuous heavy rainfall since January 15 led to a state of calamity in two Agusan del Sur municipalities due to flash floods.
On January 17, Wednesday, the Agusan del Sur Provincial Information Office (PIO) announced that the municipalities of Veruela and Loreto were officially placed under a state of calamity. This decision came in response to extensive flooding affecting 12 barangays in Veruela and three barangays in Loreto.
The report also showed that flash floods in the province impacted more than 26,687 individuals, or approximately 6,560 families. Currently, affected families are housed in 43 evacuation centers within the province, while others have sought shelter with relatives and friends.
In Veruela, 3,284 families or 12,180 individuals were affected, and a significant number of barangay roads in the town are currently impassable.
The count is anticipated to rise, with the Provincial Information Office stating that they are awaiting the resolutions from the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal boards) of Veruela and Loreto officially declaring them under a state of calamity.
Additionally, the provincial government is awaiting the official report from the six river towns in the province, focusing on Veruela and Loreto.
Areas declared under a state of calamity are authorized to utilize their Quick Response Fund (QRF) for relief and recovery initiatives.
As of Thursday, January 18, the flash floods have resulted in damages amounting to P94.9 million in crops, livestock, and fisheries, along with P3.2 million in infrastructure.
The towns of Trento, Bunawan, Santa Josefa, and La Paz in Agusan del Sur have also experienced severe impacts from the flash floods.
Agusan del Sur Representative Adolph Edward “EddieBong” Plaza and the office of Governor Santiago Cane in Agusan del Sur have activated their respective offices to address the immediate requirements of flood victims.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-13 (CARAGA) under the leadership of Chief Engineer Pol M. Delos Santos stated that their operations and monitoring center in the area is anticipating the official report detailing the infrastructure damage resulting from the flash flood.
The DPWH action team has successfully cleared a landslide in Bislig City, according to Delos Santos.
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