Surigao Sur continues relief operations for Basyang-affected families
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur continues to intensify relief and response operations for families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang, with the majority of troubled households already receiving food assistance.
Based on the latest Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report consolidated as of 6 a.m. on February 10, a total of 71,019 food packs have been distributed to 71,019 affected families by 16 out of 19 local government units (LGUs). This represents 83 percent of the 85,919 affected families across the province, according to the local government.
Relief distribution is ongoing, with several LGUs having completed their initial rounds, while others continue to address some gaps. The Provincial Government reported that as of 9:30 p.m. on February 10, the first batch of 30,000 food packs intended for augmentation arrived and is being prepared for distribution to families that have yet to receive assistance.
In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) delivered a recent augmentation of 10,000 family food packs (FFPs), which arrived in the province on the night of February 10, to augment relief distribution efforts.
In addition to food aid, Provincial Administrator John Vincent Pimentel said the provincial government is processing ₱5.5 million in cash assistance for 850 households with damaged houses, including 230 totally damaged and 620 partially damaged houses. He noted that the number of beneficiaries may still increase as clearing operations continue and access to isolated communities improves for further damage validation.
In Cortes town, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported that 339 houses were damaged due to Tropical Storm Basyang. Of this number, 42 houses were totally damaged, and 297 partially, with estimated total cost of housing damage hitting ₱5,147,200.
Private sector, including civil society, support has also augmented government response efforts. The Vicente Pimentel, Jr. Foundation extended assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang through a donation coursed via the Philippine Red Cross Surigao del Sur Chapter, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur.
The assistance strengthens the ongoing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) response of the Philippine Red Cross, ensuring the delivery of potable water to affected communities.
Requests for non-food items, such as kitchen kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits, have also been submitted to the DSWD Caraga to further support the recovery of affected families.
The provincial government, through its regional office in Caraga headed by Director Mari-flor Dollaga and provincial office in Surigao del Sur, thanked DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and partner organizations for their support to the ongoing disaster response efforts. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
