DILG: Gov't help underway to Ruby-affected LGUs

MANILA, Philippines - Help from the national government to all affected local government units by the onslaught of tropical cyclone "Ruby" is on its way, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said on Tuesday.

"We are doing our very best to coordinate and communicate with all affected [local government units] to ensure that relief goods are delivered to those who need them," Roxas said.

As soon as "Ruby" left Eastern Samar, Roxas led the National Frontline Team in inspecting nearby municipalities, starting with San Julian and Dolores, where the typhoon made the first landfall on Saturday night.

The team even had to use motorcycles to travel the 65-kilometer distance between Borongan and Dolores amidst uprooted trees and fallen power lines and to reach their destination quickly.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said there were more than 230,000 families or about a million individuals staying in 3,640 evacuation centers in all affected areas at the onset of the cyclone's series of landfalls.

Initial reports in Eastern Samar alone state that there are 233 evacuation centers in 19 municipalities, with a total of 14,990 families and 76,594 individuals.

The DILG has also been receiving reports that some local chief executives have asked evacuees to return to their homes as the weather improves.

Roxas has also established a 24/7 Operations Center in Camp Crame to coordinate preparations and immediate responses to needs of affected LGUs nationwide.

Through the operations center, the DILG is able to determine the preliminary number of evacuees and casualties, and even the particular needs of each municipality.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and we welcome any voluntary assistance from people who are eager to help out," Roxas said.