The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) reported on Thursday that more than 72,000 families in the Bicol Region have been impacted by recent weather disturbances.
According to the latest report, a total of 155 families, or 574 individuals, are currently staying in evacuation centers, while 277 families, or 1,005 persons, are seeking temporary shelter with relatives. Relief operations are ongoing in coordination with local governments.
The DSWD has provided PHP11.1 million in humanitarian aid to affected communities and displaced families across the region. Additionally, the agency has relief stockpiles and standby funds exceeding PHP264.2 million available at regional warehouses and prepositioning sites.
In response to the situation, the Ako Bicol Party-list has activated its disaster response team to prepare for the potential impacts of various weather disturbances. Seven rubber boats and nine motorized rubber boats have been prepositioned and placed on standby for deployment.
At least 5,500 food packs have been distributed to Balatan, Camarines Sur, where six barangays have been severely affected by floods and landslides. Relief support has also been extended to Barangay Ponso in Polangui, where a total of 83 affected families received a sack of ten kilos of rice each.
As of 8 a.m. Thursday, Typhoon Emong has intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. The typhoon is expected to pass close to Pangasinan this afternoon and may make landfall over the Ilocos Region tonight or early Friday. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dante has maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
