PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS -- Following the devastation in the province of Dinagat Islands brought about by Super Typhoon Odette, the Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) through officer Joanna Jessica A. Yasay, provided a quick briefer to the members of the Regional Nutrition Cluster on the current situation of the municipalities and discussed the geographical makeup of the province. 

It was learned that Dinagat Islands are a group of islands constituting a province in Caraga Region with seven municipalities and 100 barangays. The province can be reached via 1-2 hour sea travel on either fast craft or roro vessels commonly from Surigao City. Due to its geographical location, quick response for disasters, such as Typhoon Odette, is challenging, coupled also with the increasing cases of COVID-19.

According to PNAO Yasay, the municipalities of San Jose (capital town), Cagdianao, and Basilisa are reportedly the most affected areas and have numerous evacuation centers. As of January 6, 2022, according to the Health Situation Update of the Health Emergency Management Staff of Dinagat Islands, an estimated number of affected families reached 27,399. The aforementioned municipalities have island barangays that makes relief operations and nutrition and health response difficult during the first weeks of the disaster.

PNAO Yasay added that due to the effects of Typhoon Odette to the telecommunication lines in the island, communication and coordination is yet to be fully established and made accessible, which adds up to the challenges faced by the responders.

As part of the Nutrition in Emergencies – Information Management, relevant and updated data relative to health and nutrition is crucial as this will be the basis to bolster the relief efforts to address the immediate needs of the affected population, especially the nutritionally at-risk children and pregnant and lactating women. 

The quick briefer of PNAO Yasay to the Regional Nutrition Cluster was also used as the basis for the cluster for visiting the most affected areas to conduct nutrition initial needs assessment. (RPOchavo, NNC-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)