LIST: Areas under state of calamity due to 'Mirasol,' 'Nando,' 'Opong'

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:09 p.m.) — Several provincial and local governments have declared a state of calamity due to the widespread destruction brought about by severe flooding in recent weeks. 

Three tropical cyclones — “Mirasol,” “Nando” and “Opong” — swiftly barreled through the Philippines over the past two weeks, enhancing the southwest monsoon and bringing in heavy rains across the country.  

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), nearly 1 million families have already been affected across 62 provinces. 

The hardest-hit areas were the Bicol Region, Ilocos Region, Western Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

As of September 29, more than 30,000 families remained in evacuation centers, while around 22,700 others sought shelter elsewhere.

The three storms left 27 people dead, 33 injured and 16 missing.

Agricultural losses have exceeded P1 billion, with Cagayan Valley bearing the brunt, while infrastructure damage reached P979 million, mostly in the Ilocos Region and Mimaropa.

As of 6:09 p.m., these are the local and provincial governments that have declared a state of calamity:

Ilocos Region

• Pangasinan
  • Dagupan City

Cagayan Valley

• Cagayan

Mimaropa Region

• Oriental Mindoro
• Romblon

Bicol Region

• Masbate 

Eastern Visayas

• Samar
  • Calbayog
• Biliran

Western Visayas

• Aklan
  • Ibajay

SOCCSKSARGEN

• Cotabato
  • Kadayangan

BARMM

• Maguindanao del Sur

What is a state of calamity

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 defines a state of calamity as a situation where natural or human-caused hazards lead to mass casualties, heavy infrastructure damage and major disruptions to livelihoods and daily life.

Such a declaration may be issued by the president or local councils upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC or local disaster risk reduction offices. 

It is often used to give local governments quicker access to the quick response fund, with up to 30% of their calamity fund allowed for immediate relief, recovery and rehabilitation.

A state of calamity also grants authority to curb overpricing, profiteering and hoarding of essential goods, medicines and fuel, while providing no-interest loans to severely affected residents.

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This article will be updated with new developments. Please check back for updates.