Leyte governor declares state of calamity

With state forecasters predicting more flash floods and landslides in Sorsogon and Eastern Visayas, Leyte Governor Carlos Petilla has placed his province under a state of calamity. "Sinabi ko na sa lahat na ako ay magde-declare ng state of calamity [I have already told the public that I will declare a state of calamity]. It's just a matter of formalizing it," Petilla said in an interview on dzBB. Petilla said such a declaration will allow local officials to use calamity funds to help residents affected by floods, which have reached waist-high levels and have stranded many residents. The governor added that at least six people in Leyte have been confirmed dead, including two children who drowned. In Palo, Leyte alone, Petilla said the calamities have afflicted 80 percent of residents. Petilla said food supply remains the residents’ “number one" need. Rains to continue Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said wind convergence will continue to affect Southern Luzon and Visayas. In its Thursday 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said, "This will bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Sorsogon and Eastern Visayas, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides." The weather bureau advised residents living in low-lying areas, along river banks, and near mountain slopes to take all the necessary precautionary measures. "Fishermen in the seaboards of Luzon and Eastern Visayas are advised not to venture out into the sea due to big waves generated by strong to gale force northeasterly winds," PAGASA said.—PEII/JV, GMA News