Albay, Cam Sur placed under state of calamity after ‘Usman’

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara and Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte declared their respective provinces under a state of calamity after Tropical Depression “Usman” caused landslides and widespread flooding Sunday.

Albay province was placed under state of calamity through a special organized session by members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Sunday after the province suffered severe flooding, landslides and several infrastrcture damage due to heavy rains brought about by Usman.

Cedric Daep, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office chief, said 15 persons died in the whole province due to the effects of Usman.

He said 68 houses were also destroyed by landslides.

“This (state of calamity declaration) will utilize the calamity fund to help the affected residents to cope up with damage (suffered),” he said.

He added that potable drinking water is also badly needed in towns hit by flood.

Meanwhile, in Camarines Sur, Villafuerte announced on his Facebook account that the province has been placed under a state of calamity through a Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution also on Sunday.

He said it was due to flooding, landslides and other damage brought about by the weather disturbance. /ee

READ: ‘Usman’ death toll rises to 45 in Bicol region