FLOOD ASSISTANCE. At least 9,000 relief goods have been distributed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to the 16 barangays affected by the November 8, 2023, urban and street flooding in Davao City. The CSWDO on Tuesday (Nov. 14) listed some 8,465 families with 19,037 dependents affected by the flooding. (Photo from Davao City CIO)
DAVAO CITY - Some 9,000 welfare goods have so far been distributed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to the 16 barangays affected by the Nov. 8 inner-city and street flooding here, an official said Tuesday.
CSWDO focal person for community welfare program Mae Aquino said at least 8,465 families with 19,037 dependents were affected by the flooding.
“We need to distribute around 9,000 more, but as of today, our distribution continues because we do not want to delay our service for them,” Aquino said in an interview.
Based on the assessment, the recent flooding also incurred 52 damaged houses, 41 of which are located in Talomo B, Talomo A (8), and Toril-A (3). For partially damaged houses, 25 are located in Talomo B, three in Talomo A, and two are in Tugbok. Fourteen houses in Barangay Talomo B were also reported to have been “slightly damaged”.
“As of now, we cannot give the exact amount [of assistance per category] because it still needs to be assessed as damages may vary in amount,” Aquino said.
Diseases from flood
Meanwhile, the City Health Office (CHO) issued a public health reminder against leptospirosis and skin diseases after the unusually heavy flooding in some areas of the city recently.
Dr. Thomas Miguel Ababon, CHO head, said medical teams were deployed to ensure the health of the evacuees as well as the flood-affected villages.
“We continue to offer preventive medication against leptospirosis, skin diseases, and other infections brought about by infected flood water,” he said, adding that medical teams are still on standby in the worst-hit areas.
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease resulting from direct and indirect exposure to the Leptospira bacteria common in brown rats.
Urine from infected brown rats carried by flood water can transfer the bacteria to a human host. High fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash are the usual symptoms of leptospirosis.
Ababon, however, noted that no major injuries were caused by the flooding and that medication has been given to those with minor injuries. (PNA)
