Negros town placed under state of calamity (11:01 a.m.)

MANILA -- Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental has been put under state of calamity following the adverse effect of the El Niño phenomenon on crops.

According to the Municipal Agriculture Office, farmlands have cracked due to drought, making it inhabitable for crops such as corn and rice.

Local officials declared the state of calamity after a Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council meeting along with captains of 24 barangays Wednesday, said Councilor Peve Ligan in a statement.

One animal has been reported dead in Barangay San Miguel while a farmer in Barangay Obat died due to heat stroke, Ligan said.

The authorities are still waiting for further data on the actual amount of damage caused by the dry spell. (Angela Casauay/Sunnex)