The provincial government of Masbate has officially declared a state of calamity over the weekend in the wake of the devastation brought by Typhoon ‘Opong.’
The declaration was issued after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the measure during a special session on Friday.
In an interview on Saturday, Governor Richard Kho reported that 16,302 families, or 57,113 individuals, have so far been affected by the typhoon. He added that the figure is expected to rise as more reports continue to come in.
Typhoon Opong lashed the province with powerful winds and heavy rains, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, destruction of homes, displacement of families, and significant losses in agriculture and livelihood.
Essential services were also disrupted, while seven casualties have been confirmed.
“We really need help here in the province. Right now, we are conducting road clearing along the national highways. With the help of national agencies and everyone here, we are working together to provide food packs needed by our people,” Kho said.
The province needs immediate assistance like food, potable water, power, shelter and medical assistance, according to the governor.
“We really need food. Being an island province, it is difficult for us. Shelter is one of the biggest challenges we face for displaced families,” he added.
Kho also appealed for livelihood support for farmers and fisherfolk whose sources of income were severely hit by the storm.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed a Super Huey helicopter to conduct a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) over Masbate and Ticao Island following recent weather disturbances.
The aerial mission, carried out on September 27 in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and local governments, provided critical information on affected communities.
PAF Spokesperson Col. Christina Basco said the data will help the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council plan and deliver relief and recovery operations more effectively.
“The information gathered provided the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council with vital situational awareness to ensure the effective delivery of disaster response and recovery operations,” Basco said.
The PAF said the operation highlights its role in inter-agency disaster response, ensuring fast mobilization of resources and timely support for communities in need.
