Sorsogon declares state of calamity as damage nears P1B

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The provincial government has declared a state of calamity in response to the devastation and widespread flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (Trami).

Sorsogon Gov. Jose Edwin Hamor said that the declaration aims to ensure that affected residents in the province receive calamity assistance.

Hamor said that the post-damage and needs analysis conducted by the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SPDRRMC) shows that the devastation was sufficient to declare that the entire province is in a state of calamity.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Resolution 520-2024, passed on Wednesday (October 30), revealed that the estimated damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and properties caused by Kristine has exceeded P895 million.

SPDRRMC’s estimate is broken down into: infrastructure at P537.5 million, agriculture P207 million, and damage to houses at P114.3 million.

In light of the extensive damage, Hamor requested the SP to place the entire province under a state of calamity.

Through this, the mobilization of resources from various local government units’ (LGUs) rehabilitation and recovery will be expedited, he said.

He emphasized the need to gather accurate data from various LGUs to ensure that the calamity funds are used legally and appropriately, “which is why there has been a delay in the request for a provincial declaration.”

“Kailangang may basehan ang deklarasyon para sa wastong paggamit ng pondo (There must be sufficient basis for the declaration to ensure the proper use of funds),” Hamor added.

He also urged all residents of Sorsogon to contribute to the province’s immediate recovery efforts. (PIA5/Sorsogon)