State of calamity in BARMM due to flooding

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The entire Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been placed under a state of calamity due to massive flooding.

Under Proclamation 0003 signed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Aug. 18, the state of calamity will be in effect until Oct. 31.

Copies of the proclamation were released to the media only on Wednesday.

Ebrahim said he issued the proclamation based on the assessment of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The proclamation cited “successive and multiple weather systems,” such as low-pressure areas, southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms, which brought continuous heavy rain in the region.

Flooding has been reported in parts of Maguindanao, 80 percent of the barangays in North Cotabato which comprise BARMM’s Special Geographic Area and this city since early this month.

”The declaration of a state of calamity will provide augmentation to the ongoing response operations and recovery efforts of the Bangsamoro government to the affected communities,” the proclamation read.

The declaration will “effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities in the affected areas and afford the BARMM and its local government units ample latitude to utilize and appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts and continue to provide basic services to affected populations,” it said.

The Sangguniang Panglungsod of Maguindanao declared a state of calamity on Wednesday as floods reportedly inundated 105 barangays in 13 towns. –  Ralph Edwin Villanueva