DISASTERS

   The Bicolmail reported (20 November 2008) that according to BFAR Regional Director Dennis del Socorro, the Sorsogon Bay has been seriously affected by red tide toxin for three years now which has gravely jeopardized the source of livelihood of the local residents, especially the fishermen. The high red tide toxicity level in the area is an effect of climate change. Following this concern, the Provincial Government of Albay issued executive order prohibiting the sale of mussels or tahong in the province of Albay due to the death of three children and the hospitalization of 37 others after eating the shellfish sold in the markets of the third district of the province which were believed came from Sorsogon Bay and Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon where shellfish ban was issued by BFAR in early October. PNP Checkpoints were also set up to prevent the entry of banned shellfish and ticung (botete of puffer fish) in the province.

 

   Continuous heavy rains in November caused severe flooding and inflicted damages to agriculture and infrastructure in Camarines Norte valued at  Php28 million and Php 68 million respectively. About 20,455 families were affected, two  died and 9 were reported missing. Seven municipalities were declared under the state of calamity:  Basud, Daet, Mercedes, Talisay, San Vicente, Vinzons and Labo. The local government units distributed relief goods from their respective calamity funds and 2,000 pieces of water jugs and water purifier tablets from the UNICEF.

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