Mindanaotoday.com | Oaminal vows to speed up recovery after flood hit MisOcc
By: Shaine Mae Nagtalon
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – Despite the damage and loss of life caused by the province’s massive flooding, Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal pledged efforts to assist Misamisnons and reassure affected towns that the provincial government is taking action to speed up recovery.
“Although the calamity was unexpected, we were able to handle it, and we are still able to do so because we are not only hardworking but also because of our sincerity and dedication to serving. I ordered municipalities and cities to come up and purchase land for relocation sites because those who live on river banks or in low-lying areas that flood when it rains will not be sent back, and even if their houses are washed out, they will not be sent back,” Oaminal said.
In a situation briefing in Ozamiz City with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., January 11, Oaminal presented the damages to infrastructure, agriculture, and private properties and the number of flood-affected families in the province.
Oaminal brought up the idea of building a system that will change the flow of water in a river so that it doesn’t flood Clarin town as much.
The governor says that weeks of heavy rain have damaged bridges and other infrastructure, including the system that the government built to stop floods.
He also said they were able to mitigate the damage and the number of casualties because of the proper handling of the crisis.
Oaminal reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue assisting calamity affected families by providing their basic needs and financial assistance.
Marcos also lauded the provincial government’s quick action to address the calamity.
“This is the happiest evacuation center I have ever seen. You are all smiling. I’m sure Governor Henry has taken good care of you,” the President said.
Based on the reports by the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, 16,013 families, or more than 56,000 individuals, were affected by the torrential rains and extensive flooding caused by a shear line.
This resulted in great losses in agriculture and infrastructure amounting to P132.4 million and P154.38 million, respectively. (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)
###