On December 29, Tropical Depression Usman made landfall in the Eastern Visayas. The heavy rains bought by the weather disturbance caused flooding and landslides, especially in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar.
On January 3, following requests from the Local Government Unit, the Department of Social Welfare and Development dispatched relief goods to the stricken town after confirming that the road to Lope de Vega was passable.
Scenes of tragedy met DSWD staff as they approached the town – muddy streets, overturned houses, damaged property. The town was without electricity. Several roads to the interior barangays remained impassable. Despite these challenges, DSWD staff proceeded to help the residents of Lope de Vega.
After setting up the distribution center, DSWD immediately proceeded to distribute Family Food Packs and blankets. The distribution lasted from January 3 to 8. During this time, DSWD was able to distribute 3,325 family food packs, 3,230 blankets to beneficiaries from 22 barangays. DSWD also distributed 203 tarpaulins for the beneficiaries with damaged houses, so that they could build temporary shelters.
DSWD also sent relief items to the interior barangays which remained isolated. To distribute the relief goods to these isolated barangays, DSWD staff had to transport the relief items across streams through the use of sampans/boats and by air, through the use of Philippine Air Force helicopters.
Currently, DSWD is planning for a second wave of relief distribution in Lope de Vega.
Each family food pack contains 6 kilos of rice, 4 cans of corned beef, 4 cans of meat/beef loaf and 6 sachets of coffee. DSWD would like to inform the public that these items are not for sale.
