Gov't starts rehabilitation after 'Nona,' 'Onyok'

MANILA, Philippines — Government agencies are coordinating to deliver relief goods and work on the early recovery of areas affected by tropical cyclones "Nona" (international name Melor) and "Onyok" the past week.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday that an estimated P59.9 million worth of relief assistance was provided to affected towns in regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII as of Friday.

READ: 'Nona' damages P320 million worth of agri, infra

The Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) provided P51.3 million while local government units and non-government organizations gave P8.1 million and P463,050, respectively.

Some 37,145 families or 175,168 persons are residing in 536 evacuation centers while 38,601 families or 192,028 persons stay outside evacuation centers in regions affected by Nona.

DSWD Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera assured that relief operations will continue despite the ambush of government trucks carrying relief goods for typhoon victims in Samar provinces last week.

Meanwhile, 32,914 families or 143,097 persons have been affected by Onyok, which has weakened into a low pressure area.

Some 3,240 families or 12,585 individuals have been staying in 87 evacuation centers since Friday in the Caraga region due to Onyok.

DSWD Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman assured that the department will continue to provide resources in affected areas until the needs of victims have been met.

Last Friday, President Benigno Aquino III declared a state of national calamity following the aftermath of Nona which hit the Visayas and Bicol regions.

The proclamation will remain in effect until lifted by Aquino.