Nearly 78K families affected as 'Kristine' drenches most of PH
2024-Oct-23 11:01
RESPONSE. Personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5 (Bicol) provide hot meals to evacuees in Matnog, Sorsogon at the height of Tropical Storm Kristine on Tuesday night (Oct. 22, 2024). The NDRRMC on Wednesday (Oct. 23) said the weather disturbance has so far affected close to 78,000 families in four regions. (PNA/DSWD)
MANILA – Around 77,910 families in four regions have so far been affected by the inclement weather by Tropical Storm Kristine, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its update Wednesday.
This is equivalent to 382,302 persons residing in 436 barangays in Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula, according to the disaster body's latest situation update.
As of this time, the NDRRMC said 3,095 families or 12,334 persons are being sheltered inside 306 evacuation centers while another 96 families or 364 individuals are being aided outside.
Bad weather has also affected the operations of 34 seaports located in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
Meanwhile, a total of 4,753 persons were reported stranded in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas along with 703 rolling cargoes, 26 vessels, and 13 motor bancas.
A total of 57 houses were damaged in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
PNP on alert
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is also on alert to help those affected by the tropical storm.
"All of our police officers were deployed in affected areas for disaster response efforts at humanitarian assistance. Likewise, we have deployed mobility assets to be used in aiding our kababayans (countrymen)," PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a message to reporters.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has activated its Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) to help government disaster response units.
NCRPO acting Maj. Gen. Sidney S. Hernia said all RSSF personnel are on heightened alert to respond effectively to emergencies.
" As of 12:00 midnight on October 22, 2024, 875 RSSF personnel had been deployed to critical areas, with 466 officers stationed at evacuation centers and key installations across Metro Manila. These officers are prepared to assist in rescue, relief, and recovery operations, ensuring an immediate response to urgent situations," he added.
Hernia added the NCRPO is working closely with local government units and other agencies to prepare for the storm, with 598 evacuation centers ready to accommodate individuals and families affected by the severe weather.
He said the NCRPO is monitoring developments from the Regional Tactical Operations Center (RTOC) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. (PNA)