State of calamity declared in Ilagan

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — Ilagan City in Isabela has been placed under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

The city disaster risk reduction and management council (CDRRMC) recommended the declaration of a state of calamity to allow the city government to use its calamity funds to assist affected residents.

Twenty-nine barangays were flooded, 13 of them still isolated and 19,516 people affected.

The CDRRMC said several roads and bridges were submerged in floodwater, some of which remain impassable due to landslides.

Damage to agriculture was estimated at around P10 million, the city agriculture office reported.

Mayor Josemarie Diaz issued an executive order (EO) yesterday declaring Nov. 2 a special non-working holiday to allow residents to conduct a cleanup drive and maintenance works in the aftermath of Paeng as well as observe All Souls’ Day.

Classes in all levels in the city were also suspended.

Diaz noted that the city government is initiating a citywide cleanup and rehabilitation activity and conducting relief operations to help in the recovery of affected barangays.

In Cavite, Gov. Jonvic Remulla announced that classes would remain suspended until Saturday due to the effects of the storm.

An EO issued by Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao said classes would also remain suspended until Nov. 5.