CamSur declares calamity after ‘Enteng’

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Enteng, which led to significant agricultural damage and widespread flooding, the province of Camarines Sur has been placed under a state of calamity.

Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte reported that 867,431 individuals across 506 barangays, representing 46.6 percent of the province's population, were affected by three days of flooding due to heavy rains.

"Our beloved province of Camarines Sur recently faced unprecedented challenges due to massive flooding and extensive damage following the relentless downpour brought by Tropical Cyclone Enteng from September 1 to 3, 2024," Villafuerte stated.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur passed Resolution No. 409, series of 2024, declaring the entire province under a state of calamity in response to the disaster.

According to a partial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Tropical Cyclone Enteng severely impacted the province, with 867,431 individuals across 506 barangays affected—accounting for 46.6 percent of Camarines Sur's total population.

"The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) assessed the situation and determined that the preliminary data met the necessary threshold for declaring a state of calamity," Villafuerte added.

The governor emphasized that the declaration was crucial to enable authorities to implement measures that would help stabilize the situation. "This declaration will help control the prices of essential goods and commodities, prevent price inflation, and ensure that affected families have access to necessary supplies during this critical time. More importantly, it equips the province with the resources needed for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts—vital for the recovery of communities impacted by Enteng," Villafuerte said.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between local government units, non-government organizations, and the community in navigating the aftermath of the cyclone.

"As Camarines Sur unites in the face of adversity, this moment stands as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of our people. Together, we will work tirelessly to restore not only our infrastructure, livelihoods, and agriculture but also hope for a brighter future, proving that even in the darkest of times, the strength of the people of Camarines Sur shines through," he said.

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol reported that among the six provinces in the region, Camarines Sur and Albay were the hardest hit by Enteng.

Lovella Guarin, DA regional spokesperson, told The Manila Times that 8,893 hectares of agricultural land planted with rice, vegetables, and other crops were destroyed by the cyclone.

In Camarines Sur alone, 8,513 hectares of rice fields were affected. Of this, 5,435 hectares (63.85 percent) sustained partial damage, while 3,078 hectares (36.15 percent) were completely destroyed, resulting in a loss of 13,887 metric tons of rice, valued at P333.08 million.

Guarin noted that most of the damage to rice occurred during the reproductive and maturity stages. Additionally, 361 hectares of cornfields were partially damaged, leading to a production loss of 739 metric tons, valued at P14.01 million, affecting both Albay and Camarines Sur. The damage primarily affected crops in the vegetative and reproductive stages.

Camarines Sur, the rice granary of the Bicol region, alongside Albay, suffered over P350 million in initial agricultural losses, impacting 13,623 farmers and fishermen across the region.