State of calamity declared in Cagayan, Apayao towns

By Raymund Catindig

TUGUEGARAO CITY - – The provincial government of Cagayan has declared a state of calamity in the whole province due to the damage brought by Typhoon Vinta last week.

In the nearby province of Apayao, provincial administrator Vince Talagtag said the municipalities of Luna, Flora, Sta. Marcela and Pudtol were placed under the same status.

Both provincial governments cited the damage suffered by the Cagayan Electric Cooperative, their power source, from the calamity.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Cagayan earlier placed the total damage to infrastructure and agriculture at P100 million.

Gov. Alvaro Antonio said the declaration of the state of calamity allows them to use their P38.5-million fund to restore typhoon-damaged properties in their area.

At least P30 million was sought for the construction of a slope protection structure along the boundary of the two provinces, according to Nestor Marallag, administrator and spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 2.

The slope was earlier tagged by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as among the geohazards in Cagayan Valley.