The Province of Davao Oriental has declared a state of calamity Wednesday afternoon, January 24, 2024, due to the effects of the recent flooding and landslides.

According to the provincial government, the declaration was based on the recommendation submitted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The calamities left two people dead and four others injured, and affected around 64,330 families.

According to the PDRRMC, the recommendation was based on the result of the Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Assessment (RDANA).

Based on the report, around 63,377 families were affected by the calamities while the damage to agriculture and fisheries is pegged at P111 million. The damage to livestock also reached P1.7 million.

With the declaration, the provincial government can now utilize funds for response, recovery, and rehabilitation initiatives.

A price freeze will also be implemented to ensure that prices of basic commodities will not increase.

Meanwhile, several towns have already declared a state of calamity. These include the municipalities of Caraga, Tarragona, Cateel, Governor Generoso, and Lupon.