DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo today said that the DSWD Field Office 8 remains active in monitoring the situation of citizens affected by yesterday’s torrential rains which resulted in flashfloods in various parts of Northern Mindanao and Region 8.
“We continue to gather reports from the ground regarding the status of individuals and families who have evacuated to escape the floodwaters. So far, no casualties have been reported and we hope that this remains the case,” she said.
Based on reports from Field Office VIII Regional Director Resty Macuto, DSWD has relief goods prepared for distribution, especially in isolated barangays in Barugo, Leyte.
Flooding in Barugo, Leyte in isolated barangays: Brgy. Hiagsam- 52 families, 219 individuals; Brgy. Pango- 75 families, 281 individuals; Brgy. Canisak- 192 families, 758 individuals.
Palo Evacuation Centers data: Brgy. Cangumbang- 22 households (HHs); San Antonio- 6 HHs; Tacuranga- 12 HHs; Cabarasan Guti- 1 HHs; San Joaquin- 12 HHs; Cogon- 104 HHs; Salvacion- 11 HHs, 168 families.
Evacuation Centers: Brgy. San Antonio’s Barangay Hall; Barangay Salvacion – OSCA and health centers; Brgy. Tacuranga’s Brgy Hall; Cungumbong Elementary School and VFV building.
“The local government units have also begun to distribute relief assistance as well as dignity kits. We are prepared to augment LGUs when they give the signal,” she said.
The FO said that there are no prepositioned foods in Palo, Leyte, because the DSWD has no warehouse there to stock relief goods, but social workers, volunteers, and staff of the LGU have coordinated with the FO to secure said goods for immediate distribution.
“We are doing our best to assist the LGUs and communities affected by yesterday’s flashfloods. As much as possible, we want no delays in the delivery of assistance, so we appeal to LGUs down to the barangay level to closely coordinate with the DSWD to ensure that aid reaches our kababayans,” Sec. Taguiwalo said. ###
