Sunday 13 October 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Saturday, October 12, 2013

Government agencies ready to respond to Typhoon Santi devastation, says Malacanang

Government agencies continue to deploy equipment and personnel as a response to the effects of Typhoon Santi in Luzon, Malacanang said on Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview on Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) has been on red alert since yesterday as Typhoon Santi affects Luzon.

“Patuloy ang pag-deploy natin ng equipment at saka ng personnel para doon sa mga local government na apektado,” Valte said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also prepositioned personnel and its equipment has been on standby in different locations, she said.

These include 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) is also on high alert since yesterday, she said.

Naval Forces in Northern Luzon under NOLCOM is also ready and there are three teams on standby to respond to people who will need assistance, Valte said.

“‘Ang 7th Infantry Division nila in particular has directed the 56th Infantry Battalion covering Aurora to prepare for any eventuality and to respond and help the LGU should the need arise,” she noted.

“Nakahanda na ang assistance para sa mga search and rescue teams natin sa local level at nakahanda na ang ating mga kasamahan sa AFP.”

The Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) has already released an update on the situation in areas affected by Typhoon Santi.

In Region 3, the areas covered by Field Office 3 such as Aurora, the DSWD reported that 19 barangays with a total of 554 families are affected there.

In Nueva Ecija there are three barangays and in Isabela, another three barangays. The DSWD has opened evacuation centers serving 539 families or 2,104 persons, Valte said referring to the DSWD report.

Valte also said some 11 houses were reported damaged in Nueva Ecija. In Sual, Pangasinan, preemptive evacuations were carried out for the families affected by the weather disturbance. PND (as)