QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to provide the needed assistance to families and individuals affected by the heavy rains brought by the Shear Line and Northeast Monsoon in some parts of the country.

In an emergency meeting held today, December 27, all DSWD Field Offices shared updates on their disaster response operations, including the provision of family food packs and non-food items, as well as the status of the prepositioning of relief goods in different localities.

As of December 26, more than P3.2 million worth of humanitarian assistance has been provided by the DSWD to Regions VIII, IX, and Caraga.

DSWD-Field Offices in the three regions reported that more than 34,751 families or 133,443 persons have been affected by the weather disturbance. Of this number, 12,154 families or 51,386 persons are currently taking temporary shelter in 142 evacuation centers set up by the local government units in the affected regions. Also, a total of 133 houses in three regions were damaged.

Meanwhile, the Regional Director of Field Office V also reported during the meeting that more than 17,100 or 69,042 individuals have been affected by the flooding incident in the Bicol Region.

The regional directors gave their assurance that their disaster teams are deployed in the affected localities to assist the local government units in their disaster relief operations for their constituents.

The DSWD officials conducted the emergency meeting with the regional directors to ensure that appropriate assistance is being accorded to the affected population.

As of December 26, more than P1.6 million worth of assistance has been provided by the DSWD to the families affected by flash floods.

The Department appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to follow the orders of their local officials to ensure their safety. (DSWD)