Sta. barbara: The municipality of Sta. Barbara in Pangasinan declared a state of calamity on Thursday due to the effects of tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Sta. Barbara Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that 5,061 families from 15 barangays have been affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. Mayor Carlito Zaplan signed the declaration following the recommendation of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) and a resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) members.

The public information office stated that the declaration provides the local government unit with the legal basis to utilize the disaster fund for immediate response, relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. It also enables affected residents to receive assistance and calamity aid from government agencies or institutions.

The Municipal Agriculture Office has reported an initial damage of PHP19.95 million to crops, predominantly rice and corn. While most evacuees have returned to their homes, four families remain in an evacuation center as of Thursday.

Previously, on August 11, Dagupan City and Mangaldan town also declared a state of calamity.