Eastern Samar, Northern Samar declare state of calamity due to Tropical Storm Kristine

Thirteen local government units across Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces have been declared under a state of calamity on Thursday, October 24, following severe weather conditions caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

Torrential rain and flooding displaced over 667,000 individuals or 174,361 families in these regions, prompting Governor Ben Evardone to issue the declaration after consultations with local governments.

Among the hardest-hit areas are Jipapad in Eastern Samar, where all barangays were submerged for two days, and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar, which saw its main road become unpassable due to floodwaters.

Evacuations have been carried out, and relief efforts continue as provincial authorities work to address the situation. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office reported that more than 6,791 families had been affected primarily from Eastern Samar's northern part.

Governor Evardone dispatched aid including 100 sacks of rice and 10,000 bottles of water for displaced families in Jipapad. Meanwhile, Lope de Vega reported four injured residents and two houses totally damaged. As of October 24, the province has returned to normal without any recorded casualties.