BALER: The entire province of Aurora was placed under a state of calamity on Tuesday due to the combined impact of Typhoons Nika (international name Toraji) and Ofel (Usagi), and Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi). Governor Reynante Tolentino said in an interview on Wednesday that the declaration was made by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its regular session at the provincial capitol.

According to Philippines News Agency, all members of the provincial board supported the passage of the resolution in consideration of the extensive damage caused by the consecutive cyclones in the province, based on the assessment by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The situational report released by the council on Nov. 18 estimated the total damage at PHP355.47 million on infrastructure, PHP51.89 million on agriculture, and PHP2.77 million on tourism, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as business establishments.

Governor Tolentino stated that the state of calamity
declaration will facilitate the implementation of recovery and rehabilitation efforts across the province.