CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The municipality of Sto. Tomas in this province was placed under state of calamity due to flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Sto. Tomas, in a regular session held Tuesday, unanimously passed Resolution No. 179-2018 following the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the request of Mayor Johnny A. Sambo.
In reports submitted by the MDRRMO to the Sangguniang Bayan, the seven barangays of Sto. Tomas have been greatly affected by flooding due to the continuous heavy rains brought about by Habagat, as enhanced by tropical storm Karding with international name Yagi.
“The incessant rains caused by habagat have greatly affected our agricultural products, displaced our families and caused flooding in the whole town of Sto. Tomas,” the resolution said.
Based on the assessment of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, a total of 5,465 families or 21,794 individuals were displaced due to the monsoon rains.
The Municipal Agriculture Office, on the other hand, reported an initial estimated damages of PHP1.93 million and PHP952,000 in fisheries and agricultural products, respectively.
Meanwhile, Mayor Johnny Sambo declared the suspension of classes in all levels for both public and private schools in Sto. Tomas until Friday, Aug. 17.
The municipality of Sto. Tomas is the first local government unit in Pampanga to declare state of calamity due to the severe weather caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon. (Zorayda Tecson/PNA)
