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What does a state of calamity declaration mean for Metro Manila?

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 25, 2024 12:09 PM PHT

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Updated Jul 25, 2024 03:04 PM PHT

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MANILA — Metro Manila officials declared a state of calamity in the entire capital region due to the record-breaking rains on Wednesday that triggered widespread flooding and sent thousands to evacuation shelters.

The combined impact of supertyphoon Carina and the southwest monsoon required such a declaration to unlock nearly a third of the local government units' disaster funds, said San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who is also the president of the Metro Manila Council.

READ: ‘Orange’ rainfall warning up in Carina-hit areas; flooding still possible

"We will now be able to access the 30 percent quick response fund of our city disaster funds individually," he told ANC on Thursday. "Thirty percent is significant."

He pointed out that local governments could only use up to 70 percent of the quick response fund without a declaration of a state of calamity.

The remaining quick response funds could now be used by local governments in Metro Manila to procure food and medicines and rehabilitate public structures, he said.

READ: Carina-enhanced habagat dumps more rain than Ondoy

Earlier in the day, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said his government was procuring more anti-leptospirosis pills such as doxycycline for its residents who braved monsoon floods and are now at risk of contracting the infection.

During a state of calamity, a price freeze is also in effect.

"I have already instructed my business permits and licensing office to monitor groceries, and the markets," Zamora said.

He said officials in other Metro Manila areas should do the same to ensure that prices do not move.

READ: 14 dead due to habagat, Carina, Butchoy: NDRRMC

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