As part of the enhanced disaster mitigation measures, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has installed initiatives in preparation for the possible effects of a low pressure area (LPA)  spotted 85km East of Catarman, Northern Samar yesterday.

Based on PAG-ASA Daily Weather Forecast today at 5AM, the LPA is now 5km East of Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

To date,  a total of 356,835 food packs have been prepositioned in various LGUs around the country as well as in the different DSWD-regional offices and in the two major disaster hubs of the Department to ensure the availability of relief supplies should the LPA intensify.

Standby funds in the amount of P58.5M are also available for the purchase of disaster-related items/goods in case of emergency situations.

In addition, the DSWD Central Office has an available Quick Response Fund (QRF) of P434,247,480 which can be used to augment the resources of the regions most likely to be affected.

All DSWD disaster teams are on standby and ready to be deployed if needed. ###