LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — The provincial government of Albay has assured a swift response and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong).
The Albay provincial board on Tuesday afternoon (November 11) approved the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to declare the entire province under a state of calamity due to extensive damage to lifeline infrastructure and facilities.
The declaration enables the provincial government to use calamity and quick response funds for rescue and relief efforts and enforce a price freeze on basic necessities.
“Although President Marcos declared a national state of calamity, it is prudent for Albay to establish our own basis for this declaration, given the severe damage to properties, infrastructure, and agriculture, particularly concerning power supply,” said Albay Governor Noel Rosal.
Rosal noted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has pledged to distribute additional relief packs to nearly 332,000 individuals, or over 100,000 families, who were evacuated for safety and have since returned home.
Initial reports indicate that nearly 8,000 families sustained partial damage to their homes, while about 400 families reported total destruction of their residences.
