QUEZON CITY, (PIA) - During the Laging Handa Public Briefing earlier this week, Joint Information Head of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Mr. Diego Agustin Mariano, reported detailed information on the recent shear line aftermath.

Based on recent data, the number of families affected was 170,970 or 681,492 individuals. About seven thousand families (6,635) or 23,536 individuals currently occupy the 163 evacuation centers.

In response, support and aid in various forms were distributed - 36,225 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to P12M, and other food and non-food items worth P22 million were disseminated. A total of P49 million worth of assistance was provided to the affected citizen.

Moreover, he explained the damaged costs of the shear line aftermath. Over five thousand (5,152) homes were affected - out of it 910 homes were heavily damaged. In agriculture, the total damage amounted to P245M, and in the irrigation systems, beyond P2M worth was destroyed, and more than P268M of infrastructure was damaged.

Mr. Mariano assured the public that the OCD along with national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) is prepared and ready in case weather systems like typhoons will enter the country. Manpower and equipment for search and rescue are available through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is prepared for clearing operations. The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are prepared to distribute medicine and food packs to the affected people.

Still, there are three regional areas submerged in flood - Region 13 (CARAGA), Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas).  (PIA-PMD)