DSWD-Northern Mindanao readies supplies for 'Domeng'

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Social Welfare and Development 10 (Northern Mindanao) has already prepositioned food and non-food items for three areas in the region that are likely to be affected once Tropical Depression Domeng escalates into a destructive weather event.

In a statement Wednesday, DSWD-10 Director Nestor Ramos said they have activated their quick response team (QRT) “in anticipation and preparation for the possible effects of the current weather disturbance inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.”

Ramos said they have also prepositioned relief goods for the provinces of Camiguin and Misamis Occidental, as well as Iligan City, where flooding has already been reported.

Residents in these areas are likely to be displaced should Domeng become a typhoon, he said.

As of Wednesday, DSWD-10 was ready with 64,000 family food packs and a standby fund of PHP3 million in assistance to local governments conducting disaster operations.

“DWSD Field Office 10 has been closely monitoring and coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management offices of local government units of Northern Mindanao,” Ramos said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental reported that three towns have already declared suspension of classes at the elementary and high school levels on Wednesday.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Fernando Dy Jr. said the mayors of the municipalities of Initao, Gitagum and Manticao have suspended classes in their localities.

On Tuesday, the towns of Balingasag, Binuangan, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Lugait, Opol, Salay, and Sugbongcogon have declared suspension of classes following heavy rains.

Dy said the declaration was made by the local chief executives to ensure the residents' safety, even though there was no rise in the water levels. (PNA)