State of calamity in Davao Oriental due to floods

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao Oriental has been placed under a state of calamity amid flooding caused by rains spawned by Tropical Depression Amang and the tailend of a cold front in the past weeks.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring the state of calamity during its regular session on Wednesday.

The declaration will allow the provincial government to tap its calamity funds to assist affected families.

Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang, concurrent chairman of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC), stressed the need to fasttrack relief and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.

The PDRRMC released an assessment and needs analysis report, which showed the extent of the damage to lives, properties, livestock and infrastructure.

According to the report, 66,733 families in 84 barangays were affected. 

Initial damage to infrastructure was pegged at P102.5 million. At least 199 houses were damaged and 64 others were destroyed.

Three persons drowned in flashfloods in Manay town.

A state of calamity was earlier declared in Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel and Boston also due to damage brought by Amang.