BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
AKLAN – Seven houses were totally destroyed and four others were partially damaged when a storm surge struck Barangay Caano Baybay in Kalibo town.
Authorities said the storm surge on Tuesday, November 19, was triggered by strong winds brought by Typhoon Pepito.
One of the affected residents appealed to the local government unit of Kalibo to provide them immediate housing assistance, expressing concern over the growing danger in the area.
Displaced families were also asking for relocation to safer grounds, fearing that more houses could be damaged if the situation worsens.
“We cannot wait any longer for relocation, especially after everything we’ve been through. We need new housing units urgently for the safety of our families,” one resident shared during an interview.
Meanwhile, the Aklan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) extended aid through its Emergency Shelter Assistance program to the affected families. Each family whose house was completely destroyed received P10,000 while P5,000 was given to each family with partially damaged house.
Food packs were also distributed to the victims.
“We are ensuring that these families receive the proper support, including shelter assistance, as they navigate the impact of this disaster,” said PSWDO.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a storm surge is “the abnormal rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones or typhoons.”
It is caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressures produced by tropical cyclones. As the tropical cyclone approaches the coast, strong winds push the ocean water over the low-lying coastal areas, which can lead to flooding, PAGASA added./PN
