(Eagle News) – Ilocos Norte is now under a state of calamity after floods due to heavy rains brought by severe tropical storm Ineng affected 110 barangays and more than 4,500 families.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte declared a state of calamity on Saturday, August 24, due to the storm Ineng’s onslaught which has killed two people.
“Due to the non-stop rains that caused severe floods in most areas of the province, nearly 110 barangays, including 4,595 families or more than 18,000 individuals, have been affected, including two fatalities,” said a statement from Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.
Marcos said that more than P231.62 million (P231,622,000) worth of damages have been recorded in public infrastructure and agriculture.
“We have been lending our heavy equipment for our clearing and dredging efforts which have made most roads passable but we still urge everyone to stay home for their safety,” he said.
The provincial government is distributing food packs and hygiene kits.
Marcos said that the Provincial Social Weather and Development Office has “adequate” relief packs stored in seven sites ready for continued distribution. Rescue vehicles are stationed outside the provincial capitol.
“We strongly encourage our constituents to look after our most vulnerable citizens – pregnant women, infants, and our lolos and lolas,” he said.
“We deeply thank all the unsung heroes who have contributed to the safety and well-being of our province and our kailians. We assure you that we will help you and diligently continue our relief and recovery efforts. We, as we have always been, remain together and resilient in the wake of this natural disaster. We will overcome this in unison,” Marcos added.
On Saturday evening, August 24, severe tropical storm Ineng left the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It has already made landfall in Taiwan.