Tacloban city: At least 13 areas across two provinces in Eastern Visayas have been declared under a state of calamity following extensive flooding brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. Thousands of families have been displaced as a result of the severe weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the affected areas include Maydolong, Borongan City, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, and Jipapad in Eastern Samar, as well as Lope de Vega in Northern Samar. Jipapad was particularly impacted, with all 13 of its villages submerged under floodwaters for two days, severely affecting food and drinking water supplies. In response, Governor Ben Evardone announced the dispatch of 100 sacks of rice and 10,000 bottles of water to the affected families.
The Eastern Samar provincial board declared the state of calamity for 12 areas during a special session on October 24, following a request from Governor Evardone. This d
ecision came after a meeting with the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council. Initial reports from the Eastern Samar PDDRM office indicate that the storm impacted approximately 6,791 families, or 34,488 individuals, with 1,458 people requiring evacuation.
In Northern Samar, the town of Lope de Vega was the most affected, with floodwaters rendering the main road impassable. This road is a critical link between Catarman, the provincial capital, and Calbayog City in Samar. Approximately 4,693 families were displaced in Lope de Vega, with 1,500 individuals evacuated. Four residents sustained injuries, and two houses were totally destroyed by the typhoon. The local agriculture office reported preliminary damages to agriculture valued at PHP4.59 million due to the flooding.
The full extent of the damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the affected provinces is yet to be determined. Authorities continue to assess the situation and provide necessary aid to the displaced families.