COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The province of Maguindanao del Sur has been placed under a state of calamity after 17 of its 24 towns were devastated by floods spawned by heavy rains early this week.
The declaration of a state of calamity will hasten the release of calamity funds for relief operations in flood-stricken communities.
The flooding has displaced up to 72,309 families, according to separate reports from the Bangsamoro police, the military and the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO).
A majority of barangays in affected municipalities are close to rivers and swamps.
Ameer Jehad Ambolodto, chief of the PDRRMO, said the provincial board’s resolution declaring a state of calamity paved the way for the allocation of funds for relief operations.
“We are moving around to extend relief services to affected residents,” Ambolodto said.