Ilocos Norte Announces State of Calamity in Wake of Super Typhoon Carina

ILOCOS NORTE — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has officially declared a state of calamity following the severe impacts of Super Typhoon Carina, which has significantly affected the region by enhancing the southwest monsoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration was made during a regular session held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, where members unanimously passed Resolution No. 2024-07-330. The decision enables the provincial government to access and utilize its 5 percent calamity fund, crucial for providing immediate relief to affected families and for the necessary reprogramming of funds aimed at the repair and rehabilitation of damaged properties and infrastructure. Provincial Board member Dante Franklin Respicio emphasized the urgent need for this declaration to address the extensive damages caused.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that a total of 3,288 families, or 10,852 individuals, from various parts of the province including Bangui, Badoc, Bacarra, Pagudpud, Banna, Adams, Solsona, Piddig, Burgos, Paoay, and the cities of Batac and Laoag have been adversely affected. These areas are known to be vulnerable to landslides and floods, which have exacerbated the situation, resulting in 23 houses sustaining partial damage.

The ongoing efforts by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team include rounds of inspections across the province to validate the extent of reported damages, which are currently estimated to exceed PHP1 billion in infrastructure and agricultural losses. This year, the local disaster risk reduction and management fund of Ilocos Norte is approximately PHP109.88 million, with 70 percent allocated for preparedness, prevention, mitigation, rehabilitation, and recovery, and the remaining 30 percent set aside for quick response actions.