Close to P1 million worth of relief assistance from the combined resources of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and concerned local government units (LGUs) have been provided to families, especially those from Region II, who have been affected by Typhoon Karen, as of 2 pm today.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that the Department has enough relief supplies to augment resources of affected LGUs.

The Secretary has called on affected families to approach their local authorities for any relief supplies that they need.

She clarified that the goal of disaster teams is to reach and promptly serve as many families as possible but there are some limitations like distance of affected areas. This  is why she urged families to report their own situations on the ground for responders to be able to help them.

As of presstime,  some 2,628 families or 13,714 persons have been displaced in Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON (IV-A) and V of which, 2,009 families or 9,351 persons are taking shelter in 138 evacuation centers set-up by  LGUs. Of the total number of evacuation centers, 84 have been set-up in Region V.

DSWD has received initial report that  38 houses were partially damaged while 3 were totally damaged in Region II.

All DSWD disaster teams have been mobilized to assist LGUs in relief operations. ##