The Philippine Red Cross humanitarian caravan, loaded with emergency relief supplies and other equipment intended for Typhoon “Nina”-affected families and areas, is now on its way to Catanduanes, Marinduque and Albay to distribute relief items and assist in clearing operations.
According to a PRC Operations Center report, the number of Nina-damaged houses has reached 153,316, while 125,696 families or 583,574 individuals have been affected.
“As we honor the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal today [Dec. 30], we at the Philippine Red Cross also remember the value of selflessness through the humanitarian works and generosity exemplified by our volunteers, who provide service without expecting anything in return,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon. “They are our everyday heroes, who are able to swiftly mobilize aid and bring relief to the most vulnerable.”
In response to Typhoon “Nina,” PRC staff and volunteers have been on the ground in close coordination with the local government, and have also been distributing emergency relief items, while others have assisted in repacking and preparing the caravan to be able to extend more help in various affected areas.
The teams are set to distribute relief supplies which include 3,000 sets of tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, and sleeping mats, 1,500 sets of hygiene kits, 50 sets of shelter tool kit (handsaw, hammer, wire, etc), 1,500 sets of 20-liter jerry cans, 10 generator sets, 500 sacks of clothes, and 15,000 pairs of shoes.
PRC 10- and 6-wheeler trucks, a fuel tanker, humvee, landcruiser, and a 10,000-liter water tanker and other equipment have been dispatched for the relief distribution.
Damage to agriculture and infrastructure in areas devastated by Typhoon ‘Nina’ (international name: “Nock-Ten”) reached P681 million as of Thursday, the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council said.
Initial reports show that the regions of Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas incurred damages worth P681,244,632.
In the Bicol region alone, a total of 30,897 houses were left damaged. Of this number 21,225 are partially damaged while 9,672 are totally damaged.
A total of 37,271 families in 831 evacuation centers are still seeking shelter in these regions, Marasigan said. Clearing operations are still ongoing in 41 roads and three bridges in typhoon-affected areas.
The NDRRMC also confirmed nine fatalities related to Nina and are still verifying 10 more reported deaths while 10 more people are still missing, Marasigan said.
In a separate press briefing, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said over 813 barangays and 206,812 families have been affected by the typhoon.
In Bicol, a total of 504 barangays were affected by the typhoon, Taguiwalo said.
The province of Albay suffered the brunt of the typhoon with over 100,000 families in 240 barangays affected.
Affected families in other areas are 5,105 in 80 barangays in Mimaropa; 4,000 families in 161 barangays in Calabarzon, 2,866 in 104 barangays in Quezon; and, 6 barangays in Marinduque
A total of P47.298 million worth of relief goods have also been distributed by the DSWD and local government units.