Agusan del Sur Declared State of Calamity Amid Widespread Flooding

AGUSAN DEL SUR – Following three days of heavy rainfall induced by the shear line and a trough of a low-pressure area, Agusan del Sur province has been officially declared under a state of calamity. The declaration came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed a resolution on Thursday, which was subsequently approved by Governor Santiago Cane Jr., to address the severe flooding and landslides affecting the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, which the Philippine News Agency obtained a copy of on Friday, the extreme weather events have caused significant displacement of residents, extensive damage to crops, and triggered landslides throughout the province. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council recommended the state of calamity declaration during an emergency meeting on January 30, as cited by the SP.

Currently, 12 towns and 110 barangays across Agusan del Sur are grappling with the aftermath of floods and landslides. The disaster has directly impacted at least 48,433 families, with 31,685 of those families being displaced from their homes and seeking refuge in various evacuation centers. The floods have also damaged roads, disrupting the travel of motorists and passengers, and led to the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools within the affected areas to ensure the safety of students.

In response, municipal disaster risk reduction management offices across Agusan del Sur are actively engaged in relief operations, distributing food aid to families affected by the calamity as they work to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster.