Tacloban under state of calamity due to Ursula damage

MANILA -- Tacloban City in the central Philippines was placed under a state of calamity on Friday, officials said, as the region reeled from Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) that struck on Christmas Day.

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Ursula toppled power lines and uprooted trees in the coastal city, which bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) 6 years prior.

The city vice mayor's office confirmed the state of calamity declaration, which will empower local officials to freeze prices of some goods and tap calamity funds.

Neighboring Eastern Samar is also considering placing the province under a state of calamity, officials said. A state of calamity was earlier declared in Calapan City on Mindoro island.