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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Several provinces were placed under a state of calamity on Tuesday, July 15, hours after Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) first made landfall in the Philippines.
Provinces under a state of calamity as of Tuesday evening are:
- Albay
- Camarines Sur
- Camarines Norte
Albay Governor Joey Salceda made the announcement early evening Tuesday. In an interview with Rappler, Salceda said at least 26% of the province’s population was affected by the storm.
Camarines Norte Governor Edgar Tallado, meanwhile, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that power was out in the province after Glenda unleashed its wrath.
Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Villafuerte said that the entire province was affected by the typhoon. Over 12,000 families were evacuated in Camarines Sur.
Villafuerte earlier ordered evacuations in the province as early as Monday afternoon. As of 10 pm, Glenda was still passing through the province.
No casualties were reported in the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur, Salceda and Villafuerte told Rappler.
Glenda first made landfall on Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay at around 5 pm and later, Tabaco City at around 6:30 pm.
When an area is placed under a state of calamity, the government may control the price of basic necessities and prime commodities; grant no-interest loans; and tap into calamity funds.
Local government units (LGUs) may also accept importations and foreign donations with tariffs or taxes, authorize the importation of rice, give hazard allowances for public health workers, and science and technological personnel.
The storm packs maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center, and gusts of up to 160 km/h. As early as Monday, July 14, Salceda ordered the evacuation of thousands of people in various towns threatened by flooding, landslides, and lahar.
Over 65,000 families in Albay have been evacuated as of 5 pm on July 15.
One of Albay’s cities, Tabaco earlier declared a state of calamity ahead of the province.
Albay is no stranger to disasters. Under Salceda’s leadership, the province earned awards for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programs. The governor has pushed for zero casualty during storms. – Rappler.com
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