Iloilo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday that a total of PHP2.34 million in relief goods has been distributed to families impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, internationally known as Trami, in the Western Visayas region. The aid, primarily in the form of family food packs, was allocated to provinces including Iloilo, Capiz, and Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, PHP1.16 million worth of goods was supplied by the DSWD, with the remainder provided by local government units as of noon on Thursday. The swift response was facilitated by prepositioned food packs, which allowed for quicker and easier distribution. Officer-in-charge Regional Director Arwin Razo emphasized the strategic placement of goods across various sites in the region, which aided in the relief efforts. The DSWD also has PHP147.2 million in standby funds and stockpiles to address ongoing and future needs.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s
latest situation report, released early Thursday, indicated that the storm has affected 4,602 families, totaling 20,403 individuals across 83 barangays in Western Visayas. In response to the displacement, 283 families are currently housed in 25 evacuation centers, while 137 families are seeking shelter elsewhere.
The storm has caused significant damage to infrastructure, with 45 houses reported damaged, including six destroyed and 39 partially damaged. Additionally, maritime travel disruptions have left 371 passengers stranded in various ports, along with 221 rolling cargoes, 11 vessels, and four motor bancas, due to the cancelation of sea trips.
Educational institutions have also been impacted. The Department of Education Western Visayas reported that, as of Thursday morning, 4,000 public schools, serving 1.7 million learners, have shifted to alternative delivery modes following class suspensions by local government units. As of the latest weather advisory, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and the Caluya Isl
ands remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.