By Nimfa Estrellado Lucena City Vice Mayor Rhoderick "Dondon" Alcala with the city councilor of Lucena City during the Special Ses...
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| Lucena City Vice Mayor Rhoderick "Dondon" Alcala with the city councilor of Lucena City during the Special Session where the State of Calamity was declared on May 26, 2024, in Lucena City. (Photo from Christian Ona/FB) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Due to the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Aghon, the city of Lucena has been placed under a State of Calamity on May 26, 2024. The declaration was made after a thorough assessment of the damages incurred by the city during a Special Session of the City Council, as announced by City Councilor Christian Ona in a Facebook post.
Typhoon Aghon has left a trail of destruction in Lucena, causing extensive flooding, damaging infrastructure, and displacing several families. The extent of the damage has prompted local authorities to declare a State of Calamity to expedite relief efforts and mobilize resources for recovery.
In Barangay Dalahican, one of the hardest-hit areas, personnel of the Regional Maritime Unit 4A, led by PMaj Penales, conducted rescue operations throughout on May 26, 2024. At least six families were successfully transported to the evacuation center at the Dalahican Annex Elementary School, as confirmed by the Philippine National Police.
Following the recent crisis in Lucena City, the local government, led by Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala, immediately mobilized all available resources to aid affected residents. City officials activated their emergency response protocols, coordinating efforts to assess the damage, provide immediate relief, and begin the recovery process.
This includes setting up temporary shelters, distributing food and water, and providing medical assistance to those in need. Mayor Alcala has emphasized the importance of community solidarity during this challenging time, urging residents to support one another and assist in the recovery process.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Quezon has extended its full support to Lucena City. Recognizing the scale of the disaster, Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan has activated the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), which is working closely with the Lucena City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to coordinate relief efforts.
The PDRRMO has deployed additional personnel and resources to the city, including medical teams, engineers, and social workers. The provincial government has also provided financial assistance to the city to help cover the costs of the response and recovery efforts. Governor Tan has pledged to continue providing assistance until the city is fully back on its feet.
The declaration of a State of Calamity will enable the city to access calamity funds, which will be used to finance relief and rehabilitation efforts. The funds will be utilized to address the immediate needs of the affected residents, repair damaged infrastructure, and implement measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
"Our priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents," said Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala. "We are working tirelessly to provide relief to those affected by Typhoon Aghon and will continue to do so until the city is fully recovered."
The city government is urging residents to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. They are also advised to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and to cooperate with ongoing relief efforts.
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