Over 16K families distraught by Marce, Nika wrath over Northwestern Luzon
Art Dumlao — November 13, 2024
Over 16K families distraught by Marce, Nika wrath over Northwestern Luzon
BAGUIO CITY (November 12, 2024) – Strong and continuous rains and winds brought by typhoons Marce and then Nika, distraught 16,840 families (60,577 individuals) from 33 towns and cities across Northwestern Luzon, the social welfare department said, citing initial reports coming from its field offices.
Some 15,410 families (55,829 individuals) in Ilocos Norte’s first district, while 793 families (3,010 individuals) from the province’s second district were affected, though only 29 families (135 individuals) were displaced. At least 68 houses were totally damaged while 3,195 were partially damaged, the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group records show. It added 4,301 families were immediately aided while 145 families were assisted by local government units.
While 116 families (370 individuals) were recorded directly affected in Ilocos Sur’s first district and another 345 families (899 individuals) at the province’s second district. At least 81 houses were reported partially damaged in the province.
According to the DSWD, local government-hired social workers were able to assist and aid 49 families and another 8 families by the provincial social work office in Ilocos Sur.
In La Union, at least 176 families (479 individuals) were reported affected at its first district where all of them were assisted by local government units, provincial social welfare offices with augmentation by the DSWD.
According to Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Management Group, the social welfare agency has shelled out P6,913,016.42-worth of assistance in the Northwestern Luzon provinces, while the local government units P288,861.96; P115,523.36 from provincial governments; P5,600 from NGOs and P3,180.00 from unidentified donors.
The DSWD-Field Office 1 in the Ilocos Region added that although assessments on damages and affectation in different towns are still being undertaken, it has sent out 500 family food packs to the local government unit of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, while another 444 were sent to Dumalneg and 300 to Vintar towns, also in Ilocos Norte.
