City reports zero-death, P101-M damages
LANDO’S WRATH
IN the aftermath of Typhoon Lando’s onslaught, the Dagupan City government reported a zero-casualty but estimated that damages to government facilities, schools and roads reached P63.4 million and at least P38 million in agriculture and fisheries.
The damages to fisheries totaling P28.3 million affected 515 fisher folks while 191 farmers suffered P9.9 million in losses.
In sum, the flooding in 24 barangays affected more than 35,000 families and 2,366 residents had to be evacuated.
The damages as reported by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) compelled Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to ask the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to declare a state of calamity in the city.
“The fact that we had zero-casualty this time is proof that our residents have become more aware, resilient and better prepared,” the mayor intoned after floodwaters from the uplands and other nearby places cascaded to the city.
The 24 barangays that were under water were Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Barangay 1, Barangay II and III, Barangay IV, Bolosan, Bonuan Binloc, Bonuan Gueset, Calmay, Caranglaan, Herrero-Perez, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande, Lucao, Malued, Mangin, Mayombo, Pantal, Poblacion Oeste, Pogo Chico, Pogo Grande, Salisay, Tapuac and Tebeng.
Severe flooding (waist-high) were seen in Bonuan Tondaligan at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Barangays Malued, Lasip Grande, Pogo Chico, Lasip Chico, and Pogo Grande.
Barangays located downstream of the Sinocalan River experienced flooding when the river swelled up to 7.79 meters.
Anticipating the gravity of the situation, Mayor Fernandez had placed the city on full alert as early as October 16. She convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, activated the six Cluster Command Posts and deployed the city’s Quick Response Team volunteers in all the 31 barangays.
City hall moved for preemptive evacuation in some areas as emergency personnel, PNP Dagupan and other CDRRMC agencies were deployed in strategic areas, providing equipment and other resources needed for the next four days.
Classes were suspended in all levels for a week to keep children with their families. And when Lando exited, the DepEd Division Office reported 12 public elementary and secondary schools suffered minor damages. The Bonuan Boquig Elementary School lost three classrooms after a tree fell on the building.
The city was in darkness for only less than 24 hours, but it took Decorp days to energize Calmay, Carael, Salapingao, Pugaro and Lomboy after ‘Lando’ knocked down nearly 30 concrete poles along the De Venecia Highway.
Clearing operations were conducted round the clock particularly in the downtown area by emergency personnel from CDRRMC, City Engineering Office and Decorp to also ensure that all our roads are passable.
“Thank you Decorp manager Jojo Liwag and Engr Augusto Sarmiento for responding promptly to all reports received from residents,” Ms. Fernandez said.
Relief goods were promptly distributed to barangays Mayombo, Lasip Chico, Pogo Chico, Pogo Grande, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Herrero-Perez, Lasip Grande, Mamalingling, Calmay, Carael, Malued, Lomboy, and Salapingao after their isolation was noted.
Fernandez credited the men and women of the city’s Quick Response Team composed of the City Engineering Office, City Health Office, PNP, City Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Navy, CDRRMO for achieving zero-casualty in the city. (With report from CIO)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
