State of calamity declared in Gandara, Samar due to rains

The municipality of Gandara in Samar was placed under state of calamity on Wednesday due to the effects of the continuous heavy rains.

Gandara mayor Warren Aguilar issued Resolution No. 01-2023 declaring the entire municipality under state of calamity amid the continuous heavy rains that submerged low-lying barangays especially those near the river.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office reported that massive flooding occurred in several barangays of the municipality which prompted an immediate evacuation.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Agriculture Office also reported that volume of crops were also damaged.

“The after effects of the flood are still felt up to the present. There is an urgent need to declare a state of calamity in Gandara to utilize appropriate funds in providing assistance to all affected residents as well as relief assistance in every barangay,” the resolution read.

The weather bureau PAGASA reported that a Low Pressure Area (LPA) located east of Surigao del Sur and the shear line will cause rain showers over several areas on Wednesday.

At 3 a.m. on Wednesday, the LPA was estimated to be located at 295 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The Bicol Region, Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms brought about by the LPA and shear line with possible flooding or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News