By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said massive relief efforts are ongoing to assist flooded communities in Northern Mindanao due to the shearline.
NDRRMC Chairperson and Department of National Defense Officer in Charge Sr. Usec. Jose Faustino Jr. and NDRRMC Executive Director Usec. Raymundo Ferrer were set to conduct an aerial inspection to see the extent of flooding in Misamis Oriental.
“The President is closely monitoring the situation in Misamis Occidental and other affected areas and has instructed the NDRRMC to continue to ensure that timely and appropriate support is given to the displaced families,” Faustino said.
Through the joint efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a total of P16 million in food packs, water and shelter kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and financial assistance were handed over to affected families.
Emergency telecommunications teams with VSAT equipment were also deployed to ensure uninterrupted communication between local, regional, and national disaster managers. The OCD in Region 10 has sent SAR teams to help local responders.
“We thank and commend our counterparts in the local government units and national government for their timely preparation and quick response actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our countrymen,” Faustino said.
Ferrer also assured that they “will continue to provide food, water and other items to help the displaced families staying in the evacuation centers and in other affected areas.”
“This will not stop until the situation improves and they are able to return to their homes,” he continued.
More than 100,000 families were affected by the shearline’s mid-December rains and floods. As response and coordination continue, the NDRRMC is on Blue Alert. -ag
