Still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Ferdie, Batanes now bears the brunt of Typhoon Gener.

This has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to intensify its coordination with the local government of Batanes for  the provision of relief support to meet the needs of families affected by the two typhoons.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)  received information from Congresswoman Henedina Abad that  there are 96 evacuees staying at the Diptan Elementary School in Basco. The congresswoman added that  50 houses were heavily damaged while 100 were partially damaged in the town.

As of 4pm yesterday,   no casualties have been reported in Batan Island.

On the other hand, in the town of Sabtang,  Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Reynaldo Danila reported to DSWD-Field Office II that the 25 sacks of rice prepositioned by the Field Office in the town have already been distributed to affected families in the area.  He added that an initial damage assessment has been conducted by the local social welfare office, the result of which will be the basis for the implementation of appropriate recovery and rehabilitation programs.

The Rapid Damaged Assessment and Needs Analysis Team (RDANA) of the RDRRMC will fly immediately to Batanes as soon as the aircraft from Villamor Airbase arrives.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo urged affected families, especially those in the hard to reach areas, to also approach their local officials for any assistance that they need.

“Filipinos should  always take proactive measures during calamities and should not hesitate to  go to local governments and their officials and call for their immediate assistance. The DSWD always has standby funds and relief goods prepared for distribution as soon as any need arises – the LGUs are well aware of this, and so should all  Filipinos. We prepare for these calamities well in advance so the impact of the same will not be as devastating as would be the case if no preparations were made,” she said.