The Cebu provincial government has already announced a “state of calamity” still related to the effects of Typhoon Odette.
It was December 16 when the typhoon made landfall in Cebu, which caused the immediate evacuation of thousands from their belongings due to its intensity.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I GWENDOLYN F. GARCIA, Governor of Cebu, in consideration of the perambulatory clauses set forth above, and pursuant to the authority vested in me by the law, do hereby DECLARE a STATE OF CALAMITY WITHIN THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF CEBU,” said Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
“In this regard, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is urged to immediately convene to pass the necessary resolution adopting this herein declaration.”
Based on the initial assessment of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Cebu, the typhoon severely damaged households, buildings, etc., infrastructure while causing blackouts and water shortages across the province.
According to Republic Act 10121, a state of calamity is declared whenever there is:
- mass casualty
- severe property damage
- destruction of livelihoods, roads, and normal human life due to “natural or human-induced hazard”
According to Section 16 of the law, Duterte’s declaration could warrant “international humanitarian assistance” depending on the need.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council may recommend to the president the declaration of a state of calamity in barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces.
State of calamity declared in Cebu province caused by Typhoon Odette
Only today did the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) record casualties and injuries, something that is still being verified today:
- dead (12)
- missing (7)
- wounded (2)
- preventive evacuation (338,664 people)
Some of the regions affected by the typhoon are Region 4B, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 10, Region 11, and CARAGA.
As of 7 pm, the center of the eye of Typhoon “ODETTE” was located based on all available data over the coastal waters of San Vicente, Palawan, or 85 km North of Puerto Princesa City.
While over the West Philippine Sea, the typhoon is forecast to move west-northwestward and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow morning or early afternoon. “ODETTE” is forecast to pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands tomorrow.
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