‘Sendong’ damages P969-M infras in Northern Mindanao

AT LEAST 30 infrastructure projects worth P969.35 million were damaged by Tropical Storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao.

Reports reaching the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council from the Department of Public Works and Highways revealed that 16 of the projects were on road sections, nine were on bridges and five were on drainage and flood control.

The report also showed that the highest amount of damage was in the Second Engineering District of Cagayan de Oro, particularly the 1,800-linear-meter revetment of the Cagayan de Oro River worth P540 million, which was totally washed out.

Also damaged was in the First Engineering District of Cagayan de Oro with P235 million, which included flood control works involving 600 lineal meters along the city’s River Basin in Barangays Carmen, Kauswagan and Bonbon worth P180 million; Cagayan de Oro-Airport-Bukidnon Road, Dansolihon and Dansolihon-Uguiaban Sections and Lumbia-Uguiaban By-pass Road, Mangalay Section where landslides covered the roadway amounting to P20 million and P5 million, respectively; and the Uguiaban By-pass Road, 30-meter road slip and Kauswagan-Bulua Section, Butuan-Cagayan-Iligan Road with siltation of existing open main drainage both sides worth P10 million.

Also affected was the Second Engineering District of Lanao del Norte amounting to P160 million that included Mandulog Bridge 1 and 2 and roads in Iligan City amounting to P135 million and the Misamis Oriental-Maria Cristina Boundary Road and Sta. Felomina-Bonbonon-Digkilaan-Rogongon Road worth P25 million.

The Third Engineering District of Bukidnon also incurred infrastructure damages worth P30.8 million, particularly at the Agusan Canyon Bridge, Cross drainage along junction Manolo Fortich-Libona-Indahag Road and Tal-uban Bridge.

Damages to infrastructure in the First Engineering District of Bukidnon also reached P3.55 million.

Meanwhile, the United States Government through the US Agency for International Development (USAid) is providing an additional $1.9 million (P83.9 million) as part of its humanitarian assistance to families affected by the flash flood.

This additional amount increases the US government’s assistance for immediate emergency relief to $2.8 million (P123.6 million).

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. said USAid’s assistance will be used to support continuing relief operations as well as early recovery and rehabilitation efforts to help disaster victims get back on their feet and reclaim their lives.

“This contribution will be used for emergency procurement of classroom furniture and equipment, reference materials, education supplies and student kits,” he said.

It will also fund the repair of damaged schools and small-scale infrastructure projects to help restart economic activity in the affected barangays.

The distribution of clean water and hygiene kits will also be supported through funding provided by Catholic Relief Services and Plan International.

Along with the financial contribution of $2.8 million, USAid is collaborating with the Department of Health in providing health awareness materials to ensure the well-being of flood victims housed in evacuation centers.

USAid Mission Director Gloria D. Steele said they will continue their coordination with concerned Philippine government agencies to identify areas where the US government can provide further assistance.

For 50 years, the United States has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during times of natural calamities. (PR)