Kalinga: The provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao have declared a state of calamity following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan, the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) reported on Wednesday. The council also confirmed seven deaths across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Engineer Jose Ignacio Valera, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - Cordillera, stated in an interview that Kalinga reported an initial PHP50 million in crop losses, alongside damage to roads, classrooms, and public infrastructure, with further reports expected from municipalities. Ifugao is still consolidating damage reports from its local government units (LGUs).
Valera indicated that other provinces across the region have expressed intent to declare a state of calamity and may submit their resolutions soon. He noted, "There are other provinces that relayed to us their intention to declare a state of calamity and we are expecting them to come anytime." The Department of Agriculture (DA) is anticipated to provide a detailed damage report within eight days based on data from farmers and LGUs. Valera credited preemptive evacuations for minimizing casualties, emphasizing their impact on reducing the effect of Super Typhoon Uwan on livelihoods.
As of Wednesday, the Management of the Dead and the Missing (MDM) cluster, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), validated seven deaths, while the Department of Health (DOH) reported 18 injuries. The fatalities were distributed across Ifugao, Kalinga, Benguet, and Mountain Province, while injuries were reported in Ifugao and Benguet. Valera mentioned that validation is ongoing as some areas remain without power and Internet connectivity, hampering communication efforts.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is engaged in clearing operations, with 15 national roads in Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province still impassable as of Wednesday morning. Power restoration efforts are also ongoing, with the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) reporting significant progress in Baguio City and Benguet. However, most parts of Abra remain without power, and efforts continue in Upper Kalinga and Mountain Province.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 1,928 families, or 6,213 individuals, remain displaced, with 551 staying in evacuation centers and 1,377 with relatives or friends. A total of 85 houses were destroyed, and 1,602 were damaged. Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City remain under red alert, while Abra, Apayao, and Benguet have downgraded to blue alert.
The Department of Education (DepEd) reported damage to classrooms, with 461 experiencing minor damage and 148 sustaining major damage. A total of 92 classrooms were destroyed, and 83 had damaged WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. DepEd-Cordillera Public Affairs Unit head Cyrille Gaye Miranda said engineers and DRRM officers are validating reports for damage assessment to be forwarded to the national office. Certain schools in Kalinga remain unsafe for face-to-face classes due to erosion and other damages.
