By Daniel Que
DAGUPAN CITY – The City Council here has officially declared a state of calamity today (October 25) in response to the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Kristine.
Resolution No. R-6430, placing Dagupan City under a state of calamity, was passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during a special session led by Vice Mayor Bryan Kua.
The declaration comes as the city grapples with the extensive impacts of the typhoon, which have significantly affected residents, livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Part of the resolution stated that “the storm surge warnings, tidal rise and the opening of the gates of the San Roque Dam has again compounded the flooding problem in our city…”
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) reported widespread flooding across the city, with 21 barangays inundated due to storm surges and 10 others affected by heavy rains and high tides.
Approximately 660 families, or about 2, 020 individuals, have been evacuated to safety in various evacuation centers throughout the city.
The agricultural and aquaculture sectors have also suffered substantial losses, with damage estimates reaching nearly P34- million. Also, several barangay roads have been impacted, with Bonuan Baywalk sustaining severe damage.
Local officials are mobilizing resources to assist affected communities and restore normalcy in the city.
“You can count on us, my dear Dagupeños, that we are working with every department to ensure that assistance reaches every Dagupeño,” said Mayor Belen Fernandez on her Facebook page.