NDRRMC: No need to declare ‘state of calamity’

By Rita Salonga via RH News | Photo By Boy Gonzales

Manila, Philippines - There is no need for President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of calamity in areas affected by the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon).

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Exec. Director Ricardo Jalad said that he has yet to recommend anything to the President because based on the report his office has been receiving from the grounds, the current situation remains manageable.

Usec. Jalad was with the President during his aerial inspection on Monday around Metro Manila and Central Luzon, to personally see the damage caused by Habagat.

Based on the latest report from the NDRRMC, more than 32,220 families or 154,988 individuals are affected by Habagat.  These families come from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Negros Island and region 6.

In line with this, eight have been reported dead, six missing and six got injured from different areas in the country.

Jalad said that Duterte has tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies to intensify their preparation and prepositioning of assets and relief goods.
(with  Florante Rosales)