Himamaylan City declares ‘state of calamity’

A STATE of calamity has been declared in Himamaylan City following the city’s depletion of water resources, which forced the local government to implement water rationing in the area due to the dry spell.

Mayor Carminia G. Bascon said the City Government has purchased motor pumps for the residents’ source of water generation.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

Bascon said they are utilizing the city fire department's fire truck to supply water needs to the affected barangays.

The affected barangays have not experienced rain since the start of this year as water sources were already depleted, said Bascon.

The water rationed to the affected barangays has been used for bathing and laundry of the people. “The most important thing now is the potable water for the people,” Bascon added.

The dry spell or El Niño phenomenon effect has damaged P1.5 million worth of crops, livestock, and poultry.

Five percent of the City Government’s calamity fund could be utilized for mitigating measures and assistance to the affected residents, the mayor said.

The dry spell affected not only the crops and animals but also the employment of the residents, Bascon said.

Meanwhile, San Carlos City, which is heavily affected by the dry spell, mulls to declare a state of calamity this week.

A report from the Provincial Veterinary Office and the Provincial Agriculturist Office showed that damaged to crops, livestock, and poultry in San Carlos City is placed at P7.7 million, the biggest damage in the entire province.

City agriculturist Edgar dela Cruz said the City Government is now conducting a close assessment on the aftermath brought by El Niño.

The Municipality of Murcia was the first local government unit in Negros Occidental to declare a state of calamity. (Teresa Ellera-Dulla)