Following the continuous rain that triggered intense flooding, two local government units (LGYUs) in the province of Samar have declared a state of calamity.
In a Facebook post, Samar Mayor Warren Aguilar said that the overflow in Gandara River due to heavy rains has left low-lying communities submerged for weeks.
“This might result to flashfloods, soil erosion, and landslides and damage not only to agriculture, infrastructure, and properties but also endangering the lives of numerous residents,” the local government stated in its resolution signed by Aguilar, Vice Mayor Ruby Delector, and six members of the municipal council.
The local government reported that several communities have been flooded and a considerable volume of crops have been damaged.
Another town, Basey, was also prompted to declare a state of calamity after more than 20 barangays have been affected by severe flooding.
Following this, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said residents of Basey were ordered to evacuate their homes as power in the town was also cut off for safety.
PAGASA earlier raised a red rainfall warning in the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Samar.
A red rainfall advisory is issued when rainfall is more than 30 mm. within one hour or if it has continued for the past three hours and is more than 65 mm.
