State of calamity mulled in typhoon-hit Cagayan

Authorities are considering placing the entire province of Cagayan under a state of calamity to allow the province to tap more funds for recovery after being ravaged by Typhoon Egay.

According to Jasmine Gabriel-Galban of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's report on "24 oras," the towns of Sanchez Mira and Abulug are already under state of calamity.

“Ang magiging basis niyan ay ang mae-establish na report ng ating team on the extent of the damages,” said Ruelie Rapsing, Cagayan Disaster Risk Reduction officer.

Based on the latest report, the agricultural damage has reached more than P470 million, and over 200 houses were damaged in the province.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a search and rescue operation on the coast covered by Aparri for four rescuers engulfed by the strong waves.

The authorities are also searching for a woman, a father and a son who were swept away by the current.

Typhoon Egay left thick mud after the floods in several towns subsided.

On Saturday, the PCG said it will conduct an aerial search for the missing individuals.

Aside from food packs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government distributed drinking water to the affected residents in Abulug.

Currently, there is still no power supply in the towns of Baggao, Sta Teresita, Gonzaga, Sta. Ana, Buguey, Alcala, Tuguegarao City, and Enrile.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News