LUCENA CITY — A state of calamity has been declared in the cities of Biñan, San Pedro, and San Pablo in Laguna province after being ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) during the weekend.
The Biñan City council, in a special session on Monday, Oct. 31, presided over by Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte, approved Resolution No. 115, which declared a state of calamity in the locality.
A copy of the resolution was posted on the Facebook page of the city information office.
The resolution stated that 1,395 families sought refuge in 16 government evacuation centers as Paeng whipped the city on Saturday, Oct. 29.
The council also noted that massive flooding occurred in at least 11 villages.
On Saturday afternoon, the San Pablo city council also approved Resolution No. 280 for the declaration in an emergency special session presided over by acting Vice Mayor Carmela Acebedo, the city information office announced on its Facebook page Sunday, Oct. 30.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended the declaration of the state of calamity.
In an initial report, the city disaster management council said at least 33 of its 80 barangays suffered grave damages during the onslaught of Paeng.
The report said persistent intense rains destroyed numerous houses and crops. Landslides and floods also hit the city.
San Pedro City, as per Resolution no. 2022-252, also declared a state of calamity.
The city council approved the resolution in a special session on Oct. 30, the city information office announced on its Facebook page.
The move aims “to better address and prioritize the welfare of the citizens of San Pedro.”
Laguna was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal number 3 during the height of the storm on Saturday.
The declaration of a state of calamity will enable the local government to use its calamity fund and hasten the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The move will also be a mechanism to control the prices of goods and commodities in the areas.
RELATED STORY
Quezon province placed under state of calamity | Inquirer News