MANILA – Around 160 families in nine barangays in Davao Region have so far been affected by the onslaught of Tropical Storm Dante, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.
In an update, the NDRRMC said this is equivalent to 612 persons.
Of this number, 158 families or around 604 individuals are sheltering in 10 evacuation centers while the rest are being aided outside.
The NDRRMC also reported that one person died and another is still missing in the Soccsksargen region.
It added that figures are still subject to further validation and confirmation.
The agency also reported that floods due to the storm affected 15 barangays in Banga, South Cotabato and three barangays in the province of Sultan Kudarat on May 30.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed on full alert all of its disaster response units in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao that are along the storm's path.
PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar earlier directed all concerned police offices, especially those in Eastern and Northern Samar, to provide necessary assistance to local government units and the local offices of the Office of Civil Defense.
“I am placing all concerned police offices and units on full alert to guarantee the availability of assets, resources, and personnel for possible disaster response operations in areas threatened by Dante,” Eleazar said.
Local PNP units were also tasked to ensure order and observation of minimum public health safety standards once evacuees are brought to the different evacuation centers.
Eleazar also ordered the activation of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) in case there is a need to augment forces in calamity-stricken areas.
He also urged residents to follow the instructions of authorities during evacuation. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
