These contributed photos show the swath of destruction left by typhoon Vinta. Anna Andong

These contributed photos show the swath of destruction left by typhoon Vinta. Anna Andong

These contributed photos show the swath of destruction left by typhoon Vinta. Anna Andong

These contributed photos show the swath of destruction left by typhoon Vinta. Anna Andong

These contributed photos show the swath of destruction left by typhoon Vinta. Anna Andong

MANILA—A state of calamity has been declared in Palawan after Typhoon Vinta left several residents dead and destroyed hundreds of homes, the local government said Wednesday.

Vinta (international name: Tembin) pounded the southern part of the country before Christmas, triggering floods and landslides that killed 240 people.

• Vinta death toll climbs to 240, scores missing

In Barangay Mangsee in Palawan's southern tip, Vinta left 9 people dead and 27 others missing, the provincial disaster-coordination office said.

The typhoon also damaged 80 percent of Mangsee's infrastructure, including 199 homes that were flattened.

Meanwhile, Aborlan town incurred P3.5 million in damage to agriculture after Vinta destroyed 463 hectares of rice and swamped 20 vegetable farms, officials said.

A state of calamity means the local government can tap emergency funds for evacuees and impose a price freeze on basic commodities.

Officials of the country's westernmost province have launched Operation Tabang Casimanua (Tulong Kababayan) to collect aid for affected families. Those interested to help may contact the following:

Palawan Provincial Information Office
piopalawan@gmail.com
(048) 433-4566
09070218664

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office: pswdopalawan@gmail.com
(048) 434-5130