Gov't readies to assist typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government has prearranged P156.13-million (about $3.61 million) worth of emergency relief resources for families affected by Typhoon Nari (local name Santi), a senior government official said today.

Philippines' Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the relief assistance specifically from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be distributed to the affected eight regions in northern part of the country including the National Capital Region.

"The DSWD has pre-positioned P156.13-million ($3.61 million) worth of emergency relief resources including the standby fund, 37,858 family food packs, other food items as well as non-food items," she said in a briefing.

Yellow or heavy rainfall warning has been raised in the Northern Philippine Provinces of Quezon, Rizal and portions of Laguna, Bulacan and Pampanga, according to the state weather agency as it also warned of possible flooding in low lying areas.

As of 1:00 p.m., the eye of the typhoon was estimated at 200 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph, the weather agency said.

Nearly 500 passengers have been stranded in at least two seaports in Catanduanes and Albay, while several domestic flights were also canceled, the Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.