LA UNION: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 300 family food packs to evacuees in Bacnotan town, La Union, following the severe impact of Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. The evacuees were forced to leave their homes due to strong winds and flooding.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD Ilocos Regional office reported that the relief effort is part of a larger initiative, with prepositioned food and non-food items valued at approximately PHP104.2 million, ready for further distribution. These resources include 93,750 family food packs and 17,066 other essential items, strategically stored across 19 regional and provincial satellite warehouses.
DSWD Ilocos Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan confirmed the department’s readiness to provide more support as local government units (LGUs) validate requests. Additionally, the La Union provincial government has contributed PHP239,960 worth of supplies to assist 844 families, or 2,437 individu
als, residing in 40 evacuation centers across various towns.
The La Union Provincial Information Office stated that the current weather disturbance has affected 5,358 families, totaling 15,732 individuals across 12 villages. Damage assessments reveal that 167 houses have been impacted, with varying degrees of destruction recorded in several municipalities.
The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continues to monitor the situation, with ongoing search and rescue operations for a missing fisherman from Poro San Fernando City. Flooding from storm surges and high tides remains a concern in certain areas.