E. Samar declares state of emergency, too

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is set to be the second province after Samar to declare a state of emergency due to logistics problem following the restrictions at the damaged San Juanico Bridge.

The Eastern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, led by Gov. Ben Evardone, convened on Wednesday, 28 May to discuss measures to address the looming crisis expected in the coming days.

Evardone expressed grave concern over the potential disruption of the province’s supply chain, including delays in the delivery of goods basic commodities as well as essential supplies which is expected to significantly impact the local economy.

During the meeting, the council passed a resolution recommending to the provincial board to declare a state of emergency in the entire province.

The resolution cites the severe socio-economic disruptions after the Department of Public Works and Highways set a maximum weight of three tons for vehicles passing on the bridge. The council said this limited the movement of goods as well as the mobility of the people.