World · Philippines Bureau
Bugallon declares state of calamity as monsoon, cyclones batter Pangasinan town
The Pangasinan municipality of Bugallon has declared a state of calamity following severe flooding that displaced more than 25,000 residents. The declaration came after the town was pummeled by continuous heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bugallon municipal government approved the calamity declaration during a special session on Wednesday, in response to widespread flooding that has affected a significant portion of the town's population. The declaration was requested by Mayor William Dy and approved by the municipal council.
According to Sanggunian Member Manuel Orduna, the flooding resulted from relentless heavy rains brought about by the active southwest monsoon system combined with the passage of tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay. The concurrent weather systems overwhelmed local drainage systems and caused rivers and tributaries to overflow their banks.
The calamity declaration is expected to expedite government assistance to affected residents and allow the municipality to access emergency funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Local authorities have yet to release comprehensive damage assessments or information on shelter arrangements for displaced residents.
Bugallon joins other municipalities in Pangasinan and neighboring provinces that have declared similar states of calamity as the region continues to grapple with the effects of the monsoon season and tropical cyclone activity.