The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday said that housing repair kits are among the most urgent needs in Masbate communities devastated by Typhoon “Opong.”
Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, the agency’s deputy administrator for administration, cited the widespread damage to homes in the province.
“We are assessing how much the province really needs, but it will run to the thousands as there are still 5,213 families in evacuation centers,” Alejandro said in a mix of English and Filipino during an interview.
Many of these affected families cannot return home due to the damage sustained by their houses.
“Housing materials are what they really need,” Alejandro said.
He likewise confirmed that, in terms of damage, Masbate is the province most severely devastated by Opong.
As of Sunday, the government, through the OCD, has already delivered close to 300 tarpaulins and GI sheets intended for the repair of damaged homes.
