DSWD-7 helps Negros Oriental flood victims

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven thousand families from the cities of Dumaguete and Tanjay and the towns of Amlan, Bacong, Mabinay, Pamplona, San Jose, Sibulan, Valencia and Siaton were affected in Negros Oriental from typhoon Sendong.

A total of 46 were reported dead, 39 injured and seven still missing after four days of search and rescue operations. These figures however did not yet include those areas that could not be reached due to damaged roads and bridges.

In response, the DSWD-7 regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre immediately organized relief operations at the Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City, and within 48 hours from the occurrence of floods, over P2.2 million worth of goods and clothing were distributed to the victims. The operations continue until now.

President Benigno Aquino with DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman reviewed damage report and promised provision of core shelter assistance to totally damaged houses, in the amount of P70,000 per family. This will be done however when their respective local governments find a safe relocation site for them.

To date, DSWD-7 still continues to reach out to as many affected families as possible, encouraging volunteers to help in the preparation and packing of relief goods as well as call for good hearted people to share whatever they can for the victims.  (FREEMAN)