Manila: The Philippine Army and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have intensified their disaster response and relief efforts in northern Luzon following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (local name: Crising) that battered several provinces and displaced thousands across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army has deployed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response teams to communities hit by heavy rains and strong winds brought by Crising, which enhanced the southwest monsoon (habagat) and triggered floods in several provinces. Disaster rescue and response units from various Philippine Army major units were mobilized to assist in rescue and relief operations, facilitate evacuations, and clear debris from affected areas.
'The Philippine Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and supporting local government units in times of natural disasters,' the Army said in a statement Saturday. The deployment forms part of a coordinated effort with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and local authorities to provide fast, localized disaster response.
Meanwhile, the OCD reported that 39,931 families or 105,313 persons have been affected by the storm, with 4,550 families or 14,935 individuals now housed in 236 evacuation centers, and another 2,189 families or 7,410 individuals receiving assistance outside evacuation sites. OCD officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said contingency plans have been activated, especially for restoring communications and electricity.
'Ang ating mga responders will immediately be deployed to restore power pag lumampas na 'yung threat (Our responders will immediately be deployed to restore power once the threat passes),' Alejandro said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier visited the OCD headquarters to oversee operations and reinforce coordination with regional and local disaster councils.
OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo urged the public to remain alert and heed official warnings. 'Opo, lahat po ng klase ng pag-iingat ay dapat po natin gawin sa mga ganitong panahon. Manatili po tayo sa mga ligtas na lugar at patuloy po maging alerto (Yes, we must exercise all forms of caution during this time. Stay in safe areas and remain alert),' he said.
As of July 19, OCD and local government units have extended PHP2.58 million worth of assistance to 3,865 affected families. Relief operations continue across Luzon and nearby areas still experiencing monsoon rains. Wipha has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility but rains continue to persist in several parts of the country on Sunday due to the southwest monsoon, according to the state weather bureau.
