Batanes, Ilocos Norte under state of calamity

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — The provincial governments of Batanes and Ilocos Norte yesterday declared a state of calamity due to damage caused by Typhoon Julian.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos-Manotoc signed a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan placing the province under a state of calamity due to damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Reports showed that in Paoay and San Nicolas, a total of P701 million worth of roads and bridges were heavily damaged.

Both towns incurred P40 million each in damage to agriculture.

The provincial disaster risk reduction and management council is conducting a final evaluation on the total amount of damage caused by Julian.

In Batanes, Gov. Marilou Cayco said it was the first time that the province experienced massive flooding, which caused damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Cayco said the extent of damage caused by the typhoon to agricutural crops prompted her to declare a state of calamity.

The declaration of a state of calamity allows local government units to speedily utilize funds to help disaster victims.