Pampanga declares state of calamity due to severe flooding

The Pampanga Provincial Board unanimously approved Resolution 9405 on Thursday, declaring a state of calamity across the entire province due to severe flooding caused by successive tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon.

Over half a million residents from 76 barangays in 18 local government units were affected by prolonged and intense rains, surpassing the 15 percent threshold set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for declaring a state of calamity.

As of July 23, the number of flooded villages rose to 272, including communities in the towns of Magalang, Guagua, and Lubao, with 3,785 people from 1,122 families seeking refuge in evacuation centers.

Damage to agriculture is estimated at P470 million, while livestock losses amount to P3.39 million, meeting the criteria for a state of calamity declaration.

Under this declaration, the local government gains access to the quick response fund to expedite recovery and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities in the province.