Bacolod council awaits mayor’s letter for state of calamity declaration

by Merlinda A. Pedrosa

THE Bacolod City Council is waiting for the letter of Mayor Evelio Leonardia to declare a state of calamity in the city following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette last week, an official said.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said Tuesday, December 21, that based on the latest data submitted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), Typhoon Odette destroyed 690 houses and damaged 7,000 houses.

Familiaran said the City Government will provide assistance to the affected residents.

Those families whose houses were destroyed will receive P10,000 and P5,000 for the owners of damaged houses.

Aside from destroyed houses, Familiaran said, Typhoon Odette also affected the city’s power and water supplies.

“As of yesterday, only 80 percent of power supply was restored, but there are still some areas who don’t have power connection because of the damaged electrical posts,” he said.

Familiaran added that water supply is also a problem in some areas of the city.

The vice mayor noted that the livelihood of the fisherfolk, as well as the city’s farmers were also devastated by Typhoon Odette.

Leonardia earlier said that he will ask the City Council to approve a resolution declaring a state of calamity.

“We don’t have fatalities or injuries, but several properties have been damaged, especially those living in the coastal area. So, we expect that the City Council will pass a resolution so we can help our affected residents,” he said.