FLOODWATER. A flooded community in Arteche, Eastern Samar in this photo taken Tuesday (Dec. 3, 2019), a day after Typhoon Tisoy traversed Samar Island. The town of Arteche, Eastern Samar province was placed under a state of calamity as flooding continues to affect some communities days after the typhoon dumped heavy rains. (Photo courtesy of Arteche local government)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The town of Arteche, Eastern Samar province was placed under state of calamity on Tuesday as flooding continues to affect several communities, days after Typhoon Tisoy dumped heavy rains.
Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said at least 1,143 families are still affected by flooding. Floodwaters are expected to subside within two to three days.
Flooding hit the villages of Inayawan, Tibalawon, Concepcion, Casidman, McArthur, Cagsalay, and Bigo. These areas are considered as catch basin area in the town.
“Members of the local disaster risk reduction and management council recommended the declaration of a state of calamity for us to buy additional food packs, hygiene kits, blankets for affected families, whose personal belongings were totally washed out by floodwater,” Evardone said in a phone interview.
The local government has a PHP1.3 million calamity fund.
Widespread flooding has displaced 4,592 families in 20 villages when the typhoon crossed Eastern Samar on Monday. The weather disturbance has destroyed 4,136 houses.
Initial data provided by the local government showed the typhoon caused no significant destruction on rice farms.
Taking the toll are banana farmers with 240 hectares damaged, corn farmers with 2.25 hectares flattened by the typhoon, vegetable and root crops farmers with 250 hectares destroyed. (PNA)
