The Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) of DSWD-Field Office VIII continues to coordinate with concerned local government units (LGUs) to determine the extent of damage and the number of affected families, in the aftermath of the magnitude 6.5 earthquake which struck the province of Leyte yesterday at 4:03 pm.

Members of the team have been  involved in quick assessment activities to determine the extent of the damage and the needs of the civilian populace affected by the earthquake,  particularly in Ormoc City and the municipalities of Kananga and Jaro.

The other affected areas were Tacloban City,  Capoocan in Biliran, and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte.

As of 2 am today, it was reported that 60 families in Ormoc City have already camped outside their houses due to fear of aftershocks and need tents.

Some 40 individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. They were sent home soon afterward.  In the meantime, two were reported killed.

The  casualties were identified as Jerry Movilla, 43.  Movilla  was the class president of the DSWD – organized skills training for security guards under the Sustainable Livelihood Program. The training was on its fifth day yesterday when the earthquake hit and caused the building to collapse. The other casualty was 19-year old Riza Rosales who was hit by slabs from their house when it collapsed.

DSWD –Field Office VIII Regional Director Restituto Macuto said that they are already facilitating the release of burial assistance for the two families.

In the meantime, the Disaster Response Emergency Assistance and Management Bureau at DSWD Central Office   (DReAMB) has prepared 15,000 family food packs for immediate delivery to FO VIII. Procurement of family tents is also proceeding as planned and the agency hopes the tents will be available by the end of the month or at the soonest possible time. Moreover, the DSWD Rapid Emergency Telecom Team (RETT) is on standby and ready for deployment to FO VIII.

DSWD FO VIII was directed to activate the Regional Response Cluster for immediate response. The National Response Cluster is currently activated in Iligan City in response to the ongoing conflict in Marawi City but is, nonetheless,  on top of the situation in Region 8.

DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo reminded the public to make earthquake preparations and make sure that the most vulnerable members of families know what to do should an earthquake strike. She said that families should prepare “Go Bags” which are filled with materials people need during emergencies such as medicine, water, clothes, matches, dried goods, ready cash, and cloth that can be used as blankets.

“It would also be good for families to prepare sleeping mats and even camping tents if they can access them,” she said.

“If the local government units and agencies are unable to immediately respond to certain communities, it is best for the communities to prepare themselves well in advance. We must think of the immediate welfare of our children and elderly family members and make sure that we are prepared for their needs should an emergency take place,” she said. #