Bicol region is grappling with the aftermath of super typhoon ‘Carina’ as 8,288 individuals or 2,895 families across Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon face challenges following its exit from the Philippine area of responsibility.
While no evacuations were reported, coastal communities saw significant property damage, and transportation disruptions continue to affect the region.
At least 40 shoreline houses in Pio Duran, Albay and Sipocot, Camarines Sur, were partially damaged due to high waves and coastal flooding. Gremil Alexis Naz, spokesman for the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol, confirmed that 34 houses in Pio Duran and six in Sipocot were affected.
Severe weather conditions stranded 106 passengers, five rolling cargoes, and nine land vessels/bus liners at ports in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, Aroroy, and Masbate City earlier this week.
Additionally, six sea vessels sought shelter at San Pascual Port in Masbate Province. The inclement weather also led to the cancellation of 12 flights across Bicol’s airports, with two at Moises Espinosa Airport, four at Naga Airport, and six at Bicol International Airport.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office in Bicol, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), provided P353,959.80 worth of assistance to affected families and stranded passengers.
Norman Laurio, Director of DSWD-Bicol, reported that P265,864.80 worth of family food packs and non-food items had been distributed.
The Department of Agriculture (DA5) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH5) are currently assessing the damage caused by ‘Carina.’
Meanwhile, stranded passengers bound for Catanduanes received hot meals on Wednesday from the Disaster Response Management Division of the DSWD before sea travel resumed.
At the Tabaco City port, 178 passengers were stranded, while 164 passengers, 43 rolling cargoes, and 16 vessels and bus liners faced similar issues in Camarines Sur and Masbate ports due to the south winds brought by Typhoon Carina. However, the PCG has now allowed sea voyages to Catanduanes.
The DSWD Municipal Action Team also provided hot breakfast meals to 104 stranded passengers in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Disaster relief efforts remain systematic, with prepositioned coordination between response agencies ensuring efficient aid distribution.
Laurio earlier said the DSWD Bicol office prepared 182,249 family food packs and 335,733 non-food relief items at various local government offices and warehouses. The agency is also closely coordinating with LGUs affected by the inclement weather.
