QUEZON CITY -- With the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) rolling in Typhoon-Odette-hit areas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved the recommendation to request to the Office of the President (OP) the provision of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) for affected families in an emergency council meeting today.

The NDRRMC’s Shelter Cluster, in the said meeting, identified the provision of cash assistance and housing materials, and the setting up of transitional shelters as part of the government’s relief effort.

“This [shelter assistance] … can be provided through the NDRRM Fund since this is subject for replenishment”, said NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Usec Ricardo Jalad explained during the online full council meeting.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año reported that the OP is already providing cash assistance of PHP 5,000.00 per affected low-income family.

Meanwhile, a situation update on Typhoon Odette was also discussed in the meeting. The NDRRMC Operations Center reported 2,224,803 affected families, with 401 dead, 65 missing and 1261 injured as reported casualties. Updates on the displacement trend, community lifelines such as roads and bridges, and damaged houses were also presented.

Aside from Typhoon Odette, OCD also gave an update on the Rehabilitation and Recovery activities in connection with the effects of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses. The council approved the recommendation on the development of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan with medium- and long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for the affected communities.

“Kailangan lahat ng agencies will contribute para magkaroon ng comprehensive recovery plan… all we have to do is consolidate these things and put them into one document,” NDRRMC Chair and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reminded the council as he commended the effort of all agencies in the massive relief operations. (NDRRMC)