Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, has resulted in massive flooding across at least 13 areas in two provinces of Samar, leading to the declaration of a state of calamity in these regions due to the displacement of thousands of families.
The affected localities include Maydolong, Borongan City, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, and Jipapad in Eastern Samar, as well as Lope de Vega in Northern Samar.
Jipapad experienced the most severe impact, with all 13 of its villages submerged under five feet of floodwater for two consecutive days.
Governor Ben Evardone expressed concern over the situation, stating that the flooding has disrupted food and drinking water supplies in Jipapad.
In response to the crisis, Evardone announced that relief efforts had been initiated, which included the immediate dispatch of 100 sacks of rice and 10,000 bottles of water to assist affected families.
On October 24, the provincial board convened in a special session and officially placed the 12 areas of Eastern Samar under a state of calamity, following Evardone's appeal after discussions with the provincial disaster risk reduction and management (PDRRM) council.
An initial report from the Eastern Samar PDDRM office revealed that around 6,791 families, which translates to approximately 34,488 individuals, were impacted by the storm, with 1,458 people having to evacuate their homes.
As of now, there have not been any estimates regarding the damage incurred to agricultural resources and infrastructure within the province.
In Northern Samar, Lope de Vega was particularly hard-hit, with about 4,693 families displaced, including 1,500 individuals who were evacuated to safer areas.
The town's main road, crucial for connecting Catarman, the provincial capital, to Calbayog City, has become impassable due to the rising floodwaters.
In the wake of the storm, at least four residents sustained injuries, and two houses in Lope de Vega were completely destroyed.
Preliminary assessments from the local agriculture office indicated damage amounting to PHP4.59 million within the agricultural sector, attributed to the extensive flooding caused by the storm.
Photos are courtesy of RMN
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