THE monetary damage brought about by the mild El Niño in 32 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu has reached around P45.8 million, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) officer confirmed on Wednesday, April 17.

Rhee Telen Jr. of the PDRRMO said although there are 32 LGUs that have reported damage brought about by the El Niño, only 11 towns and cities have placed their jurisdictions under a state of calamity.

These are the cities of Carcar, Toledo and Talisay and the towns of Ginatilan, Minglanilla, Samboan, Sogod, Tudela, Dumanjug, Alcoy and Santander.

Telen said the delay is caused by the the failure of some LGUs to submit a report on the extent of the damage caused by the dry spell.

“Di ka push sa council ang uban LGU that are planning to declare (state of calamity) kay way attached report sa damages,” Telen said.

As of April 17, Bogo City and the towns of Sta. Fe, Asturias, Pilar, Compostela, San Fernando and Borbon have expressed intent to declare a state of calamity.

The PDRRMO urged municipal agriculture offices to fast-track their assessment so necessary assistance can be procured immediately.

Telen said they need the complete reports from the LGUs to identify which areas should be prioritized in the distribution of assistance.

As of April 15, damage to agriculture was at P14.19 million, while damage to livestock and marine agriculture was placed at P836,200 and P30 million, respectively.

“Naglisod pa sila og hatag sa size in hectares sa affected farmlands. Their assessment is based on quantifiable values on people, hectares and monetary damages,” Telen said. (RTF)