86,000 Ruby victims may spend Christmas in evacuation centers

MANILA, Philippines - More than 86,000 people affected by Typhoon Ruby are still staying in evacuation centers less than a week before Christmas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

The NDRRMC said a total of 86,474 individuals or 16,876 families are taking shelter in 327 evacuation centers in nine regions.

The displaced residents were from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Caraga region.

“Many of them may spend Christmas in evacuation centers, especially those who lost their homes,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said.

“The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will give them something to eat during the holidays,” she added.

Ruby, which hit southern Luzon and the Visayas early this month, damaged 290,670 houses, forcing thousands of residents to seek refuge in evacuation centers and in the homes of their relatives.

About 4.15 million people or more than 944,000 families were affected by the typhoon.

The typhoon left 18 persons dead and 916 others injured. Ruby damaged more than P5 billion worth of agriculture and infrastructure.

The DSWD, local government units, humanitarian groups and private donors have so far provided P248.61 million worth of assistance to the affected residents.

Residents in Samar might celebrate a dark Christmas if the power outage caused by Ruby is not resolved.

The NDRRMC said power has been restored in areas hit by the typhoon except in western, northern and eastern Samar.

The energy department has vowed to restore electricity in these provinces before Christmas.

Phl to get aid from S. Korea

The government will get humanitarian aid amounting to $1 million from South Korea to assist in the relief and recovery works in areas affected by Ruby.

The humanitarian assistance will be provided by the Korean embassy after consultation with concerned government agencies.

“This contribution is a testament to the strong ties between Korea and the Philippines,” the embassy said.

“The Filipino people have shown courage and patience in dealing with Typhoon Ruby, and for this, the Korean embassy commends their resiliency and determination,” it said. – With Pia Lee-Brago