Relief agencies told to speed up operations

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PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday ordered government agencies to fast-track relief operations for flood victims in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar which has been placed under a state of calamity.

Two persons have been reported dead by floods caused by a low pressure area (LPA) and the shear line.

The President flew yesterday to Tacloban City, after failing to land in Catarman due inclement weather, where he had a virtual situational briefing with local government officials from the Samar provinces and some Cabinet members.

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“We are doing everything that we can. But let’s work with those who are in the evacuation centers — including those who are still in their homes … we have to go and make sure that they get the food packs, they get sufficient water supply,” Marcos said in mixed English and Filipino.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should ensure that all roads are passable to allow faster distribution of relief goods to flood victims.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has distributed over 2,400 family food packs to families of fisherfolks in Mercedes in Camarines Norte and Mobo in Masbate, as well as families affected in Irosin and Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon, and Arteche in Eastern Samar wo were affected by the flooding due to the incessant rains brought by the shearline.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesman Romel Lopez said 920 barangays in Region V (Bicol), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas) and VIII Eastern Visayas are affected, or 193,130 families (733,678 persons).

At least 14,700 families (58,650 persons) are staying in 170 evacuation centers and 9,590 families (42,350 persons) are staying with friends or relatives.

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