DSWD distributes 12,303 bags of rice to typhoon-hit Region 8 provinces

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- Within a week after typhoon “Nona” pummeled Samar Island, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already distributed 12,303 bags of rice to victims.

Of the number, 8,481 bags are 25 kilograms and 3,822 bags are 50 kilograms. This is on top of the 1,275 family food packs delivered to Northern Samar province, said DSWD regional information officer Vina Aquino.

Other relief goods distributed in the past seven days are 650 boxes of sardines, 1,710 boxes of corned beef, 490 boxes of nutridel (for child feeding), five boxes of coffee, and five boxes of instant noodles.

“Local government units (LGUs) have been distributing relief goods as well. Our role is to augment the exhausted resources of LGUs,” Aquino told PNA.

In a statement, DSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos said bringing relief goods to island towns of Biri, Capul, San Vicente, and San Antonio has been challenging.

“Relief distributions in these areas are being hampered due to unfavorable weather condition. The relief goods are being brought there through the military helicopter,” Ramos said.

Based on the DSWD’s Monday afternoon report, the typhoon has flattened 117,788 houses in three Samar provinces, with 39,006 classified as totally wrecked and 78,782 partially damaged.

Under the shelter assistance, the DSWD has shipped 3,600 galvanized iron sheets and 960 tarpaulins to Northern Samar.

These will be allocated and delivered to affected areas while waiting for other batches of shelter repair kits, according to Aquino.

Number of affected population in Eastern Visayas rose to 644,324 with 602,586 in Northern Samar; 23,554 in Eastern Samar; 16,569 in Samar; and 1,615 in Biliran.

Affected LGUs are encouraged to draft comprehensive rehabilitation plan, outlining the kind of assistance they need from the national government. (PNA)
FFC/Sarwell Q. Meniano