State of calamity declared in 5 areas due to Vinta

A state of calamity has been declared in at least five areas due to the damage brought by Tropical Storm Vinta, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Thursday.

According to NNDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan, the areas in a state of calamity are Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur; Bacolod, Lanao del Norte; the entire Lanao del Norte province; Labason, Zamboanga del Norte; and Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.

A total of P247,471,090 worth of damage to agriculture has been reported in Regions 9, 10, and Caraga. This includes P44,285,000 worth of rice destroyed in Zamboanga del Sur; P70,255,625 worth of rice, P86,911,090 of corn, and P38,138,100 of high value crops lost in Lanao del Norte; and P871,500 of rice, P6,915,075 of other crops, and P14,700 worth of livestock in Agusan del Sur.

A total of P169,510,000 worth of damage to infrastructure has also been reported, including P17,710,000 worth in Region 9 and P151,800,000—mostly to national roads—in Region 10.

Some 2,663 houses were also damaged, of which 1,654 were totally destroyed and 1,009 were partially damaged. Ten houses were reportedly washed out due to storm surge in Barangay Poblacion, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The government has given P16,392,250 worth of assistance consisting of family food packs, ready to eat meals, and non-food package. — BM, GMA News