NAGA CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) --- Affected by an abnormally high level of flood water, residents of this city were forcibly evacuated from their dwellings and billeted at their designated evacuation centers upon the order of Mayor John Bongat. This was during the height of Typhoon Ruby’s wrath where Naga City River overflowed, causing a deluge at houses situated near the river banks.
The declaration of the State of Calamity is upon the request of the Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDCRRMC) and members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod. Bongat immediately conceded. The request was immediately granted on the grounds most beneficial to the Nagueños.
The order will prevent price increase of the basic and prime commodities which is usually expected after the occurrence of a disaster. Typhoon Ruby’s destructive winds have damaged most of the farmer’s goods which might affect the law of supply and demand. Mostly affected are also farmers. The declaration will give the planters access to calamity insurance and other assistance.
Residents who are affected by the typhoon and are also members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) can avail of calamity loans once their areas are declared under the state of calamity. Loans can be used to repair damaged houses and augment the needs of the family concerning financial matters.
The City government can also access funds from the national government once it is under the state of calamity. Bongat can use the said funds for rehabilitation, to assist the needy and those affected by the typhoon, rescue the farmers by giving them agricultural inputs and for public health services.
“We can also access the city’s calamity fund for immediate post- disaster response activities and replenish used supplies. The pronouncement will also serve as basis for barangays in the utilization of their respective calamity funds for their post-disaster response activities and humanitarian services for their heavily affected constituents.”
Bongat personally visited evacuation sites to ensure that evacuees, particularly children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are well taken-cared of. A booth for free medical check-up was placed for the evacuees lodged at the JMR coliseum.
Other residents who were temporarily sheltered at Triangulo Elementary School, PNR Station, McMariano ES, Balatas ES, Concepcion Grande ES and Villa Grande EC also availed of the free medical check-up spearheaded by the City Health Office under the supervision of Dr. Vito Borja, Dr. Joframel Paz and the Rescue team.
Through city Advisory No. 004, Bongat also announced the suspension of all classes in all levels on Monday, with the continued rainfall and gust of wind as TY Ruby leaves the city. This includes suspension of work in all government offices except those who are directly involved in the delivery of social services and rescue efforts. On Tuesday, everything was in their normal state as Naga bounced back unscathed from TY Ruby’s torment. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)