DSWD: Relief goods ready for Tropical Depression Domeng

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it was prepared to distribute relief goods to the different local government units (LGU) that might be affected by the Tropical Depression Domeng, which is brewing off the country’s east coast.

At least 11,532 poor families or 188,334 persons are exposed to a high susceptibility of flooding and rain-induced landslide in the next 72 hours based on DSWD’s Predictive Analytics for Humanitarian Response.

The DSWD Central Office (CO), Field Offices (FOs), and National Resource Operations Center (NROC) have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P1,155,540,517.90.

Family food packs (FFPs) amounting to P169,742,460.28 and Non-food Items (FNIs) amounting to P778,574,135.77 are readily available for immediate distribution.

Of the said amount, a total of P207,223,921.85 serves as standby funds in the CO and FOs, while P165,181,069.00 is the available Quick Response Fund in the CO.

“Although local government units (LGUs) are the first responders in the occurrence of a disaster, the DSWD is always ready to provide augmentation support in the conduct of relief operations.” Acting Secretary Virginia N. Orogo stated.

According to the latest bulletin of the state weather bureau, Domeng maintained its strength on Wednesday morning, June 6, as it continued moving over the Philippine Sea. (READ: Bicol, Eastern Visayas alerted vs. Tropical Depression Domeng)

Domeng was spotted 805 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar, moving north northwest at 15 kilometers per hour (km/h) as of Wednesday morning. PAGASA also emphasized that heavy rainfall, not strong winds, will be the main threat due to Domeng. — with reports from Dane Dagatan/Rappler.com

$1 = P52.30