San fernando: The La Union provincial government, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and various organizations, is actively engaging in recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Emong. These efforts include relief responses, road clearing operations, and power restoration in the affected areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Typhoon Emong, internationally known as Co-May, inflicted over PHP6.5 billion worth of damage in La Union. This includes over PHP6 billion in infrastructure damage, PHP215 million affecting tourism, PHP276 million impacting agriculture, and PHP23 million in livestock losses, as reported by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are focused on expediting the clearing operations in priority areas and doing our very best to provide the needs of the constituents." The typhoon affected a total of 156,109 families, or 487,284 individuals, and resulted in two fatalities: a 25-year-old male from Caba town who drowned in a river and a 12-year-old boy who died from a chest injury caused by a fallen mango tree.
Efforts to provide aid are ongoing, with the provincial government, LGUs, and non-government organizations distributing around 10,000 family food packs this week. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided cash assistance to affected communities through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Program in Sudipen town.
Governor Ortega assured that coordination with local chief executives is a priority to ensure the swift delivery of aid. Plans are being made to support infrastructure rebuilding and to assist farmers, fisherfolk, and other constituents in restoring their livelihoods. As of Wednesday, more than 39,000 houses have been reported damaged, with 3,500 completely wrecked.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in the Ilocos Region is working with LGUs to assess the need for financial assistance under the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program. Electricity has been restored to 83.33 percent of households in La Union as of August 6, following the typhoon. Progress has been made with power fully restored in eight out of 20 localities.
Governor Ortega conducted a dialogue with the province's two electric companies, ensuring residents of their commitment to restoring power. Assistance from electric companies in neighboring provinces has also contributed to the power restoration efforts, demonstrating unity in the face of disaster under the La Union Agkaysa initiative.
