An Office of Civil Defense (OCD) official said Thursday that the government is ramping up its efforts to assist areas in the Bicol Region affected by severe flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
In a Palace briefing, OCD spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas said rescue and relief operations are focused on communities still grappling with high floodwaters, particularly in Naga City and towns across Camarines Sur, including Presentacion and Bula.
“The challenge remains the high flood levels,” Posadas said, adding that sufficient resources have been allocated, but the extreme conditions have hindered some operations.
He said reinforcements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Luzon Command, personnel, and equipment from nearby regions have been deployed to bolster local government efforts.
The spokesperson highlighted that aid has already reached some of Albay’s hardest-hit towns, including Polangui and Libon, though challenges remain in accessing more remote areas.
“With the augmentation from Southern Luzon Command and Region 8, I’m confident we’ll make significant progress,” Posadas said.
He added that rubber boats, requested by former Vice President Leni Robredo for Naga City, were also en route.
