The municipal government of Alicia on Friday declared a state of calamity in the town in response to flooding caused by heavy rainfall which started Monday morning.

This was bared by Anthony Damalerio officer in charge of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) during the weekly “Kita ug ang Gobernador” program this morning.

Damalerio said that Alicia Mayor Marnilou Ayuban issued Executive Order 004 to implement forced evacuation among residents affected by the downpours and those living in villages prone to flooding and landslides.

Of the 15 barangays in Alicia, seven have been identified as severely affected by the rains including the villages of Pagahat, Napo, Cayacay, Poblacion, Cambaol, Progreso and Cabatang.

According to Damalerio, Barangays Sudlon, Cagongcagong and Del Monte were deemed prone to landslides.

However, some of those who have previously evacuated have already returned to their homes on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, 4,200 food packs have been distributed to residents of eight island-barangays in Bien Unido who were also affected by the heavy rains, said Damalerio.

The provincial government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bohol Field Office continue to assess the damages caused by the calamitous rains in various areas to determine where to direct assistance, added Damalerio. (Rey Tutas)