Relief assistance extended to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in Western Visayas reached more than PHP8.4 million, according to the report released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as of noon Friday. The DSWD provided PHP7.17 million in family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items, while local government units (LGUs) released assistance worth PHP1.24 million. The assistance consisted of 7,877 FFPs and 282 non-food items. 'We continue responding to the needs of the families. We are also going to work on the complement of resources with the LGUs, helping the affected families,' DSWD Regional Director Arwin Razo said in a statement. As of reporting time, assistance was downloaded to 10 LGUs in Aklan, nine in Antique, three in Capiz, two in Guimaras, 21 in Iloilo (including Iloilo City) and 18 in Negros Occidental (including Bacolod City). DSWD-Western Visayas recorded 38,659 families, or 161,283 individuals, affected by the weather disturbance from 458 v illages in 62 LGUs across the region. The inclement weather damaged 1,446 houses - 124 destroyed and 1,322 partially damaged. Currently, 1,319 families, equivalent to 4,633 persons, are in 98 evacuation centers, while 951 families or 3,514 individuals are with friends or relatives. DSWD assured it has sufficient stocks and standby funds at PHP144.19 million, including 108,728 FFPs valued at PHP83.96 million, 34,742 non-food items worth PHP57.22 million, and PHP3 million standby funds. Source: Philippines News agency