The city government of Dagupan in Pangasinan declared a state of calamity on Friday due to severe flooding and other impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
The declaration was approved by Sangguniang Panlungsod (Provincial Board) members in a special session upon the request of Mayor Belen Fernandez.
“Ang napapanahong hakbang na ito’y dahil sa matinding pagbaha at masamang epekto ng bagyong Kristine, na lubhang nakaapekto sa mga mamamayan, kabuhayan, agrikultura at imprastraktura ng ating lungsod (This timely move is because of the severe flooding at impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine that has affected residents, their livelihood, agriculture, and infrastructure in our city),” Fernandez posted in her social media page.
Citing the report of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the mayor said 21 villages experienced flooding due to storm surges while 10 villages were flooded due to heavy rainfall and high tide.
She said 660 families or 2,020 individ
uals in the city evacuated.
The weather disturbance also resulted in losses worth PHP34 million in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
With the declaration of a state of calamity, a price freeze will be in effect in the city for 90 days and the local government would be able to utilize its calamity fund.
Residents or those working in Dagupan City may likewise avail of calamity loans
Source: Philippines News agency
