Inayawan Landfill Fire: State of calamity declared in area affected by smoke

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Council has declared a state of calamity in the areas affected by the fire that hit the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill.

The declaration was made so that the city can release funds to aid those who have been affected by the smoke coming from the burning garbage.

Residents of the affected areas have complained of respiratory problems. The areas affected are sitios Sto. Niño, Ocampo Drive and San Vicente.

Councilor Gerardo Carrillo, chairman of the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council, said that at least 180 residents have complained of respiratory problems and they have been given medicine and also food and shelter.

Carrillo said that beds are being provided in the Inayawan gym, which has been made as the evacuation site for those affected by the smoke.

The councilor said that the Bureau of Fire Protection and the city have been taking steps to mitigate the situation.

The city council also called for measures to be taken to prevent a repeat of the situation.

Councilors gave proposals on the proper disposal of garbage and means to encourage people to segregate their trash.

In the same session, the city council also put portions of barangay San Antonio and Sta. Cruz under the state of calamity.

The state of calamity is now officially up in the areas affected by a fire last week. — AJ de la Torre/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)