‘Impending state of calamity’ declared in 12 towns in Batangas

21 June 2010

The provincial government of Batangas declared an impending state of calamity in its 12 towns as Taal volcano continues to exhibit ‘magmatic intrusion’.   The municipalities of Talisay, San Nicolas, Laurel, Balete, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, Mataasnakahoy, Alitagtag, Sta. Teresita, and the cities of Lipa and Tanauan are the towns declared under impending state of calamity. The declaration would allow officials to use calamity funds.

According to report, Vice Governor Mark Leviste said that local government units will use the calamity funds. On the other hand, 2nd district Board Member Joel Atienza said that the use of calamity fund should be limited to 30% since more expenses is anticipated when the volcano erupts. For this year, the province has P85 million for calamity fund.

Earlier June, 7-km danger zone is implemented on 16 barangays: 2 in San Nicolas, 6 in Agoncillo, 3 in Balete, 1 in Laurel, 3 in Mataas na Kahoy, and 1 in Talisay while Phivolcs reiterates that the volcano island is a permanent danger zone

Sources: ABS-CBNnews.com, WOWBatangas.com, NDCC