CARAGA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga has distributed 9,620 family food packs to families impacted by Tropical Storm Kristine in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands. The relief effort aims to support communities grappling with the aftermath of the storm, which led to widespread evacuations and property damage in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-13 allocated 1,876 family food packs for Surigao del Norte and 7,744 for Dinagat Islands as of Thursday. The aid has reached areas including Claver, San Benito, and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, as well as Basilisa, San Jose, Tubajon, and Libjo in Dinagat Islands. In Surigao City’s coastal village of Mabua, residents reported evacuating due to strong winds and high waves, which resulted in damage to many homes. The city government has been actively providing food and essentials to those displaced.
Melba Solon, the chairperson of Purok 1 in Barangay Mabua, shared her experience: “We experienced strong wi
nds and high waves early morning on Oct. 23. Due to fear, we evacuated to our barangay gymnasium.” Upon returning around 7:00 a.m., Solon and others found their homes had been damaged by high waves that struck their neighborhood. The city government responded by ensuring evacuees received necessary supplies at the evacuation center.
In a situational report issued Friday, the Office of the Civil Defense-13 reported that the storm has affected over 36,000 people and damaged 39 homes throughout the Caraga region. The ongoing relief efforts aim to address the immediate needs of these affected communities.