Quezon City (PIA) – A total of 20,019 families in Eastern Visayas have been evacuated from high-risk areas as Super Typhoon Pepito impacts the region, the Philippine Army Visayas Command (VISCOM) reported on Nov. 17.
It stated that it closely coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) in moving the affected residents to designated evacuation centers and providing them with essential relief items.
VISCOM Commander, Lt. General Fernando Reyeg, said, “The coordinated efforts of VISCOM and the LGUs have facilitated the safe evacuation… As of this report, a total of 20,019 families in Eastern Visayas have been evacuated to the designated evacuation centers.”
“Additionally, the timely delivery of relief items, including food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials, has significantly alleviated the immediate needs of those that were displaced,” he noted.
He said they also closely coordinated with the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) for swift and cohesive response when the need arises.
Since days before the anticipated landfall of the typhoon which was forecasted to also impact heavily on Eastern Visayas, VISCOM has been on high alert, as it prepositioned early its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Teams equipped with rescue gears, mobility, and communication assets to strategic areas.
It noted that Typhoon Signal No. 2 was earlier raised over the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Mapanas, Gamay, Palapag, Lapinig, Silvino Lobos, Laoang, Catubig, Las Navas, Pambujan, Mondragon, San Roque, Catarman, Lope de Vega); the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, Can-Avid); and the northeastern portion of Samar (San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao), while Signal No. 1 was hoisted for the remainder of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran.
Reyeg said VISCOM has ramped up its efforts on HADR operations in the region for the safety and welfare of affected communities.
“Eight HADR Teams composed of 66 Officers and Enlisted Personnel were mobilized to assist the preemptive evacuation efforts in Eastern Samar. Several additional teams have also been deployed to facilitate the delivery of much-needed relief goods to the affected areas in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran,” the VISCOM chief highlighted.
“The deployment of our HADR Teams reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting the LGUs in their crucial disaster response efforts. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our people affected by the super typhoon. Through our preemptive evacuations and the prompt delivery of relief supplies, we strive to mitigate the impact of the super typhoon and provide the necessary aid for their immediate recovery,” he emphasized.
He further stressed, “By working hand-in-hand with the LGUs, we are able to ensure that relief reaches those who need it the most. This collaborative effort underscores our dedication to both security and humanitarian support for our people in Eastern Visayas. Continuous efforts will be made to ensure the immediate recovery of our people.” (PIA DMD)
