March 29, 2024

Typhoon Maring inflicted an estimated P67,387,811 in damage to properties in Baguio, according to a Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) report of the City Buildings and Architecture Office and City Engineering Office.

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Antonette Anabansaid of the amount, public infrastructure damage cost is P27,927,811 while damage to private infrastructure amounted to P39,460,000.

The CDRRMO incident report covering Oct. 11 to 15 said the typhoon left three people dead, injured one, and affected 352 families composed of 1,362 individuals in the city.

It added there were 66 incidents caused by the typhoon, including 36 soil erosion incidents; 16 tree-related; five flooding; one property damage (torn roof); and seven electrical damage incidents.

Anaban said the CDRRMO activated the operations center at the onset of the rains and coordinated the response to reported incidents with teams from other city government offices, line agencies, volunteer groups, and private companies.

City Social Welfare and Development Office head Betty Fangasan said assistance were given to those affected by the calamity including the families of those who perished who received financial and logistical assistance from the city government, Department of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera and Burgos, La Union municipal office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Pyramid Baguio-Benguet crematory, Baguio Memorial Chapel, St. Vincent Parish, and SM City Baguio.

Major roads leading to the city were also hit by soil erosion and falling rocks and trees causing temporary passage disturbances at some point at the height of the howler but these were immediately acted on by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Baguio City District Engineering Office, Anaban said. – Gaby B. Keith