Quezon's 1st, 2nd districts placed under State of Calamity

By Nimfa Estrellado Mauban, one of the hardest-hit areas, experienced devastating floods reaching up to 10 feet in some barangays. (Photo fr...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mauban, one of the hardest-hit areas, experienced devastating floods reaching up to 10 feet in some barangays. (Photo from QPIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Typhoon Aghon (international name: Ewiniar), which made multiple landfalls across the Philippines before weakening, has left a trail of destruction in Quezon Province, prompting the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council today to approved the declaration of a State of Calamity in the 1st and 2nd districts of Quezon Province. The typhoon brought heavy rains and strong winds, causing widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure, and displacing numerous families.

A Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted by Governor Helen Tan, in collaboration with the Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon (TOWSOL) Philippine Airforce, painted a grim picture of the devastation across Quezon Province. The RDANA revealed extensive damage across several towns, including Mauban and Sampaloc.



In Mauban, one of the hardest-hit areas, floodwaters reached up to 10 feet in some barangays, forcing residents to evacuate and seek refuge in temporary shelters. The local government is working tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals and distribute relief goods to those affected. Some residents have lost their homes and belongings, and are now relying on the government and aid organizations for support.

Meanwhile, in Sampaloc, landslides and fallen trees have blocked roads, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach remote areas. The provincial government has deployed additional personnel and equipment to clear debris and restore access to affected communities. Several families have been reported missing in these areas, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.







Across the province, agricultural lands have been inundated, destroying crops and affecting the livelihood of farmers. The Department of Agriculture is assessing the extent of the damage and is preparing to provide assistance to farmers in need.Areas under state of calamity are 1st District; Tayabas City, Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo, Real, Sampalo; 2nd District: Lucena City, Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong.

This declaration will enable the release of emergency funds, expedite relief efforts, and allow for price controls on essential goods and services. The provincial government, in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IV-A and other agencies, is fully committed to providing immediate assistance to affected communities, including food, water, shelter, and medical aid. Search and rescue operations are also underway in areas that were severely hit.

Gov. Tan has called for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure a swift and efficient response to the crisis. The provincial government is actively coordinating with national agencies and non-government organizations to maximize resources and reach as many affected individuals as possible, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in overcoming the challenges posed by the disaster.

Beyond immediate relief, the provincial government is focused on long-term recovery and rehabilitation plans. These plans include rebuilding infrastructure, restoring agricultural livelihoods, and providing support for displaced families, demonstrating a commitment to the comprehensive recovery of Quezon Province.