The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) appealed anew to the public to heed government advisories regarding Typhoon Lando, especially in areas where the weather is getting better.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that in areas where the weather is seemingly better, the evacuees should wait for the advice of their local authorities before returning to their places of origin.

“This is to ensure their safety against possible landslides and floodwaters coming down from high places,” Sec. Soliman explained.

As of 11 am today, ‘Lando’ has affected 37,455 families or 182,946 persons from Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, and CAR.

Of this number, 12,125 families or 55,554 persons are in 255 evacuation centers managed by the Local Government Units (LGUs).

A total of P1,322,040 worth of humanitarian assistance was provided by the LGUs of Regions I, II, III, and V.

Response Cluster

As the lead for the Response Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, DSWD reported that inter-agency efforts are being intensified to reach the affected areas, especially the isolated villages.

In today’s press briefing, Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera said that the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams have been mobilized and deployed to Cabanatuan, Gabaldon, Jaen, Laur, Palayan, Penaranda, and Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija for rescue operations. More teams are expected to be deployed, with the Wilderness Search and Rescue Team (WISAR) ready for water SRR.

Satellite phone systems are also being installed in the affected regions to ensure that communication lines are available.

Moreover, the Department of Public Works and Highways is spearheading the clearing operations of roads and highways.

DSWD is also continuously coordinating with the LGUs and the different government agencies for the conduct of needs assessment in ‘Lando’ hit areas. ###