ILOILO City – More than P45.4 million in humanitarian assistance has been delivered to families severely affected by the intensified habagat or southwest monsoon in Western Visayas and nearby Negros Occidental in the Negros Island Province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported.
As of July 23, at least 93,841 families or 346,080 individuals from 665 barangays across 65 local government units (LGUs) were affected by heavy rains triggered by the combined effects of tropical cyclones “Crising”, “Dante”, and “Emong”.
The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental — including Iloilo and Bacolod cities — sustained widespread flooding and landslides.
Of the total aid, P38.5 million came from DSWD Region 6, which included the distribution of 56,000 family food packs valued at P38.3 million and 150 non-food items worth P255,000.
The remaining P6.8 million was provided by concerned LGUs and non-government organizations.
DSWD also reported that 76 houses were totally destroyed, while 575 others were partially damaged due to floodwaters and earth movement.
Emergency shelters have since been activated, with 115 families (378 individuals) staying in 17 evacuation centers, while 227 families (858 individuals) have sought refuge with relatives and friends.
Relief operations continue, with DSWD assuring sustained support to the hardest-hit areas.
The agency added that P117.8 million worth of relief resources remain available in the region, including P2.79 million in standby funds and over P115 million in prepositioned food and non-food items ready for further deployment./PN
