Nueva Vizcaya declares state of calamity

BAYOMBONG, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has declared a state of calamity due to massive flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Pepito.

Gov. Jose Gambito said the declaration was issued on Monday after the province incurred damage amounting to P1.4 billion caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office said agricultural crops suffered the most damage with P917 million followed by livestock with P11 million.

Damage to roads and bridges reached over P200 million; flood control projects, P52 million; irrigation systems, P9 million, and schools, P80 million.

“We will do everything to ensure that Nueva Vizcaya recovers from the devastation brought by typhoons. Our priority is to provide immediate relief and facilitate the swift rehabilitation of our communities,” Gambito said.

United Kingdom provides P74 million aid

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has provided P74 million in humanitarian assistance for victims of typhoons that struck the Philippines recently.

The assistance includes funding for the World Food Program, which will help victims address their immediate needs and rebuild their livelihoods.

“We are saddened by the loss of lives and destruction of homes and livelihood brought about by these typhoons. The UK government stands beside the people affected by the devastating impact of the recent typhoons in the Philippines,” British Ambassador Laure Beaufils said in a statement.

Beaufils expressed hope the UK assistance would help the most vulnerable recover from the impact of calamities.

The UK will support UNICEF’s provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, noting that access to safe drinking water is important following a calamity.

The UK said it would help improve sanitation and solid waste management to reduce health risks in flood-affected areas.  

The assistance is expected to benefit victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and areas devastated by Super Typhoon Pepito.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) donated lumber for rebuilding houses and schools destroyed by the typhoons in Batanes and Cagayan.

The DENR said that pieces of lumber were distributed in Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang and Uyugan in Batanes as well as schools in Cagayan.

The materials were part of illegal forest products seized in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, the DENR said.