CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged the prompt distribution of relief assistance and the conduct of clearing operations in flood-affected areas in Northern Samar during a situation briefing, via a virtual conference, on November 23.
This is to ensure that the delivery of goods will not be hampered and commuters can pass through in identified landslide areas.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the concerned government agencies to fast track the relief and clearing operations so that delivery of goods will not be hampered. (Photo: TBC/PIA Northern Samar)
The massive flooding due to the combined effects of the shear line and low-pressure area (LPA) affected 354,924 individuals and displaced thousands of residents in the province.
It was reported that Catarman was the hardest hit, as floodwaters submerged a lot of houses in the low-lying areas and houses situated near river banks. Other municipalities also affected by flooding were Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Catubig, Las Navas, Pambujan, and Bobon.
The regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out relief efforts to assist flood-hit local government units (LGUs) in this province.
About 29,286 food packs are scheduled to be sent to local residents who have been severely impacted by flooding, according to a report of Grace Subong, the regional director of DSWD-8, to Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan.
A total of 100,000 food packs would be distributed, according to Subong, pending the submission of a list from the relevant local government units.
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan updated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the effects of LPA-shear line in Northern Samar via Zoom at the Somoroy Hall, Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar, on November 23. (Photo: TBC/PIA Northern Samar)
Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) reported that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will provide 1,000 shelter-grade tarpaulins to flood victims.
In addition to that, Michael Victor Tezon, DHSUD-8 regional director, informed that his agency will also give financial assistance worth P10,000 each for totally damaged houses.
Based on the latest report, there were 1,514 totally damaged and 148 partially damaged houses. While the estimated cost of damage to agriculture and fisheries are the following: rice: P124,903,756.65; crops: P49,334,996; fisheries: P9,887,864; and livestock: P3,474,100.
Likewise, electrical damage was estimated to cost P80 million as electrical meters have been submerged.
As of this writing, Northern Samar is in need of clothing, hygiene kits, blankets, medicines, road clearing, food packs, water, shelter kits, and building materials.
For donations in cash and in kind, you may contact Hanniel John Florano of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) of Northern Samar at 09563908324; PGSO Hotline No. (055) 500-2136; Ariel Acibar of the PIO Office at 09063571371; PIO Hotline No. (055) 500-1410; Bank Account: Province of Northern Samar (DBP C/A No. 000-00782-725-1).
For needed assistance, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Emergency Operations Center (RDRRM EOC) may be reached at these hotline numbers: 09175898044 / 09178427606. (MMP/TBC/PIA 8-Northern Samar)
