LIGAO CITY — The provincial board of Catanduanes placed the entire island province under a state of calamity on Monday (Oct. 31) following the trail of destruction left by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name Nalgae).
In a phone interview, Gov. Joseph Cua said the move would help the provincial government send aid to displaced families.
“With the quick response fund, we can provide assistance to affected individuals who can’t work, particularly the farmers, fishermen, and villagers, considering the unfavorable weather conditions,” Cua said.
He said the declaration would also help them prepare for Tropical Storm “Queenie” and other weather disturbances that might enter the country in the coming days.
Based on a partial damage assessment report released by the provincial government, 25 houses were destroyed by Paeng in Catanduanes, leaving some P13 million worth of damage.
The storm also damaged about P21 million worth of crops. INQ
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