CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Tropical storm Vinta wrought havoc in Bukidnon which has declared a province-wide state of calamity to address the damages brought by the weather disturbance last December.
Provincial information officer Hansel Echavez said the estimated damage has reached more than half a billion, P203 million of which include damage to crops, dwellings and government structures. About P380 million of national government-funded roads and bridges were also destroyed by the flashfloods and landslide due to the torrential rains.
The declaration was made on Tuesday, Jan. 16, based on the report submitted by the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) to the provincial board.
Echavez said Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri has assured that the provincial government has alloted some P300 million unused livelihood fundfor the disaster survivors.
“Gov. Zubiri said those affected by Vinta will be the priority recipients of the livelihood fund to help them get back on their feet. He has also given assurance that all victims will receive food, cash and housing materials,” he added.
A total of 9,770 families were affected by Vinta, with seven dead and two persons missing.
At least 11 of the towns from the 20 municipalities and two component cities in Bukidnon were hit by the flashflood and landslide when Vinta passed through the province.
Per report from the PDRRMC, among the towns which suffered huge damage and losses to crops and properties were San Fernando with an estimate damage of P52.5 million; Kitaotao, P30.7 million; and Quezon, P26.5 million.
Other areas that were also hit by the calamity were Baungong, P24.1 million; Talakag, P22.1 million; Valencia City, P18.8 million; Malaybalay City, P13.4 million; Kibawe, P6.6 million; Dangcagan, P5 million; Libona, P2.8 million; Maramag, P457,000; Malitbog, P300,000; and Manolo Fortich, P157,608. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)
