DSWD distributes 890K food packs to Kristine, Leon victims

Over 890,000 food packs have been distributed to cyclone victims across the country following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon last week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development  (DSWD) said Friday.

At a public briefing, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said as of Thursday, October 31, more than 890,000 food packs were allocated to the affected local government units (LGUs).

More than 1.3 million-worth of food packs were prepositioned for the victims, Dumlao added.

“Nagpapatuloy tayo na nagpapahatid ng food packs sa mga naapetukhan ni Bagyong Kristine at naapektuhan ni Bagyong Leon,” Dumlao told Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(We’re continuously delivering food packs to those affected by Kristine and Leon.)

Some families in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, Antique, Iloilo, Negros provinces, Biliran, Northern and Western Samar, Zamboanga, North Cotabato, Dinagat Island and Mountain Province remain in evacuation centers.

“As we speak, mayroong mahigit na 5,000 food packs ang en route to Batanes via Philippine Coast Guard vessel. Inaasahan natin na dadating either tonight or early morning tomorrow,” said Dumlao.

(As we speak, over 5,000 food packs are en route to Batanes via Philippine Coast Guard vessel. We’re expecting that to arrive by either tonight or early tomorrow.)

“Hinahanda na ang karagdagang food packs, around 7,000 na ililipad via C130. May manggagaling sa Villamor at  sa Tugegarao,” she added.

(We’re also preparing 7,000 more food packs that may come from Villamor or Tugegarao.)

Apart from food packs, the DSWD also distributed funeral and psychological assistance to the cyclone victims.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that the reported death toll due to the effects of Kristine and Leon has increased to 150.  At least 30 people were  reported missing while 122 others were reported injured.

Kristine and Leon have affected a total of 2,028,282 families (7,953,766) in 17 regions. A total of 743,576 displaced individuals were in 1,980 evacuation venters.

Kristine exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on October 25, while Leon exited PAR early on November 1. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA Integrated News