Fewer evacuees noted in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Albeit very slowly, typhoon victims from Leyte that have sought refuge in Cebu City are going back to their normal lives.

Cebu City’s Department of Social Welfare Services reported that as of yesterday, only 377 internally displaced persons (IDP) have remained under the care of DSWD 7 and the city government.  DSWS chief Ester Concha said that as of Friday, they have dissolved the San Roque and San Nicolas evacuation centers as many evacuees have returned home or have joined relatives.

The remaining IDPs from the two sports complexes were brought and merged with those at the Guadalupe evacuation center, which houses 78 individuals or 20 families under the supervision of Guadalupe barangay captain Michael Gacasan in coordination with DSWS and DSWD 7.

The sports complex in Barangay Tinago still has the most number of IDPs with 170 individuals or 40 families. Meanwhile, 111 individuals or 23 families are staying at Capitol Parish Sports Complex.

The least number of evacuees, 18 individuals from six families, are at the Cogon Ramos Sports Complex.

Concha said the centers continue to receive additional transients but the general number has decreased. Even the Navy and Air Force have noted that there are fewer IDPs that take the free trips offered by government from typhoon-stricken areas in Region 8.

Apart from free food and other basic needs, IDPs staying in government-provided temporary shelters continuously receive donations from private individuals and institutions.

Further, to keep them busy, organizations also take turns in providing the transients with interactive activities to divert their attention from the trauma of personally experiencing the super typhoon wrath while also losing homes and even loved ones. —/JMO (FREEMAN)