Caloocan, Valenzuela Declare State of Calamity

Parañaque, Muntinlupa to Follow

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA and EJ MACABABBAD

The cities of Caloocan and Valenzuela were placed under a state of calamity yesterday following days of heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon and successive tropical storms that triggered flooding and mass evacuations.

The local governments of Parañaque and Muntinlupa are set to follow suit, citing the thousands of families affected by the week-long devastation.

The Caloocan government declared a state of calamity upon the recommendation of the local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC), which was approved by the city council.

The declaration is expected to expedite the city's response and mobilization of resources to assist affected residents.

Despite the suspension of government work, the Caloocan government announced that all public hospitals and health centers in the city will remain open to address emergency cases.

In Valenzuela, Mayor Wes Gatchalian placed the city under a state of calamity following the approval by the city council of a resolution during a special session.

The resolution was based on the recommendations of the local DRRMC and reports from barangays, citing severe flooding, damage to infrastructure and widespread community disruptions.

Floods swamped several areas in Valenzuela due to monsoon rains.