Northern Samar – In response to extensive flooding, the provincial government of Northern Samar has declared a state of calamity. The decision follows a recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in a special session.
According to Philippines News Agency, 70 percent of the province's population, equivalent to 74,500 families or 370,000 individuals from 24 towns, has been affected by the calamity. However, the resolution did not specify the estimate of damage or provide a complete list of towns impacted by the flooding. The state of calamity declaration enables the provincial government to mobilize resources and implement necessary measures to mitigate the flood's impact and provide immediate assistance to the affected communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported several towns affected, including Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, and others. Additionally, the Philippine National Police included towns like Palapag, Laoang, and Bobon in their report of flooded areas. The island municipalities of Capul and Biri are also affected. Besides Northern Samar, Jipapad town in Eastern Samar province has been placed under a state of calamity. Jipapad experienced its fourth significant flooding event this year, affecting 2,715 families or 9,913 individuals. As of Tuesday, electricity remains down, and certain roads are impassable. Mayor Benjamin Ver stated that despite the depletion of the town's disaster fund, 1,500 food packs from the DSWD and 3,000 packs from the local government unit were prepositioned for distribution. Assistance has begun in the town proper, with caution advised for travel upstream due to strong water currents.