CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA)- – The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has recommended that Quirino province be declared under a state of calamity following reports of huge losses in agriculture and infrastructure from the six municipalities.
Based on the Provincial Agriculture Office’s initial report, damages to crops including rice, corn, and high-value commercial crops reached 110.4 million pesos with 1,716 affected farmers.
The Provincial Veterinary Office also reported P1,877,900.00 worth of damages to livestock (carabao, cattle, goat, sheep) and poultry.
Florence Mangoba, provincial agriculturist, said the damages will still increase as they will continue monitoring damages in some isolated areas due to damaged roads and bridges.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the six Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices reported that some 1,422 families equivalent to 4,524 individuals were evacuated in various designated evacuation centers, and also, some 346 families/721 persons who opted to stay with their relatives.
For the infrastructure, the Quirino District Engineering Office reported a total of 15.8 million pesos worth of damages, including several partially damaged school buildings, gymnasiums, bridges, and other government facilities.
As of press time, most barangays are experiencing power outages and intermittent internet connection as Typhoon Nika’s strong winds and heavy rains toppled electric posts and telecom lines.
Although QUIRELCO was able to energize portions of Diffun, Cabarroguis, Provincial Government Office, Quirino Province Medical Center, Diffun District Hospital, General Manager Caesar Gulla admitted that it would take them a few days to complete the restoration of power lines. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)
