Relief hub, evacuation center to rise in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- A disaster response hub and evacuation center will rise in Allen, Northern Samar to enhance post-disaster assistance in Samar Island and ease the suffering of Luzon-bound passengers during rough seas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council held a groundbreaking ceremony early this month for the PHP60 million hub near the transport terminal of Allen town, the region’s entry and exit point from and to Luzon.

“After the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, there was no other way except to go through Allen to transport relief goods because Tacloban airport was not functional. The town is really a vital conduit for the region’s relief operations and response mechanisms after a disaster,” said Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Edgar Posadas.

Next to the relief hub is a two-storey evacuation center meant for stranded passengers of Allen ports during weather disturbances. Both structures, which are up for completion next year, will rise “side by side” in a one hectare lot owned by the local government.

Once finished, the PHP36 million evacuation center will be a shelter to about 300 individuals during disasters. The project is being funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“It will not only serve locals, but also passengers who are stranded every now and then.

Furthermore, we hope that next year we can ease up our problem a little,” Posadas added.

During the onslaught of typhoon Nina this week, nearly 2,000 passengers were stranded in Allen ports, forcing them to spend Christmas within the port complex.

Allen is known for being an important port for inter-island transport, specifically between Samar Island and Sorsogon province in Luzon Island.

Ferries cross the San Bernardino Strait, transporting passengers and vehicles to and from Allen port and Matnog port in Sorsogon. Average travel time is two hours.

Buses from the various provinces of the Visayas and Mindanao bound for Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon pass through Allen. (PNA)

JMC/Sarwell Q. Meniano with Robert S. Bona (OJT)