The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday has recommended the declaration of State of Calamity over the entire Luzon amid the massive damage wrought by previous typhoons.
The proposal which was agreed upon during an emergency meeting is now pending for approval of President Rodrigo Duterte. The Chief Executive has previously assured immediate response to the victims of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses, including heavily flooded Cagayan Province.
“It was also agreed during the meeting to convene a technical working group of the joint prevention, mitigation, and preparedness clusters of the NDRRMC to assess the current dam management,” the NDRRMC said in its news release.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) was also directed to review historical data to strengthen the issuance of warnings to the public.
The NDRRMC reported on Sunday afternoon that the casualties of typhoon Ulysses alone has climbed to 69 “from six regions,” including 24 in Region 2, 2 in Region 3, 17 in Calabarzon, 8 in Bicol Region, 10 in CAR, and 8 in NCR.
The initial cost of agricultural damage due to Typhoon Ulysses as of November 15 noon was estimated by the NDRRMC at ₱1.19 billion from Regions 1,2,3, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and CAR.
Infrastructure damage was also assessed at ₱469.7 million from Region 1, Mimaropa, and Bicol Region. At least 25,852 houses were reportedly ruined. – Reports from PTV Balita Ngayon and Karen Villanda
