March 29, 2024

Bicol Express News

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One-year State of Calamity proposed; Marcos approval needed

Photo: Keith Bacongco via Bombo Radyo Roxas

Disaster response managers want Marcos to declare a one-year state of calamity.

Sizing up the effects of Typhoon Paeng (Nagael) that left at least less than 50 fatalities due to massive floods and mudslides in the Mindanao regions and Western Visayas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or NDRRMC recommended Pres. Marcos to declare a one-year national state of calamity all over the country.

During an emergency briefing, Office of Civil Defense administrator Raymundo Ferrer on Saturday said 16 out of the country’s 17 regions are considered high risk for Typhoon Paeng.

Ferrer explained that 64 provinces are within 850 kilometers of the storm, of which 25 are also assessed as “high risk”.

“With this, in behalf of the chairperson, the NDRRMC respectfully recommends for the following: Declare a national state of calamity due to the effects, damage, and projected impacts by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng for a period of one year, unless earlier lifted,” Ferrer said.

The NDRRMC administrator said the agency also proposes that the Philippines accept international assistance based on needs, but the said resolution has yet to be signed by NDRRMC chairman Jose Faustino Jr.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is said to review the official resolution once he receives it from the NDRRMC.

The NDRRMC reported Saturday evening, there were already 45 fatalities due to Paeng with over 370,000 people affected across 12 regions in the country.