Typhoon-devastated areas under state of calamity

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government declared under a state of calamity several areas in the country's northern and southern provinces following the devastation of typhoon Labuyo, or known as Utor, earlier this week, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said here today.

Valte said the state of calamity covers the towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag in northern Philippine province of Aurora, and Candelaria, Santa Cruz and Masinloc in southern Philippine province of Zambales.

She said that reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that eight people died, seven were injured, and four were still missing because of typhoon Labuyo, while a total of 76 fishermen have been rescued at sea.

The NDRRMC also reported that 84,571 families from 87 municipalities and six cities from 16 provinces had been affected by the typhoon, while 20,136 houses in the said areas were also damaged.

Valte said a total of P12.19 million ($279,130) worth of relief goods had already been provided to affected families and stranded people.