DSWD launches rapid-relief operations in Zambales

Personnel from the social welfare and development department have launched rapid-relief operations to areas severely ravaged by Typhoon Cosme in Zambales province as help from various non-government organizations poured, relief authorities said.

Adelina Apostol, DSWD-Region III assistant regional director, said massive relief works and continuous "shelter assistance" for families who were rendered homeless brought by the recent storm is ongoing in at least 13 municipalities in the province.

Some 2,300 families have been left homeless after their houses were flattened by strong winds brought about by Typhoon Cosme while 4,879 more houses were partially damaged because of the hurricane.

"We are also conducting a rapid assessment on the effect of Typhoon Cosme to residents in Zambales to prioritize the needs of the victims," said Apostol adding her office had augmented P200,000.00 in terms of food packages as initial assistance to the provincial government.

Zambales folks felt Cosme's wrath late evening Saturday (May 17) until Sunday, leaving behind one dead and several others injured.

Apostol, who made the first on-site inspection and assessment of the calamity-stricken area, said Cosme's devastation had affected the lives of 80 percent of the total population of Zambales. She said Typhoon Cosme left almost all residents along the coastal areas homeless.

"Eighty percent of the residents were left homeless," said Apostol. She said her visit to the province was to assess on how to rebuild the victims shattered lives .

She expressed optimism that affected families who belongs to the rich and middle class could easily rebuild their lives in just a span of a week time. "In just a week makaka-recover kaagad sila."

Of the 13 towns, the worst hit were the municipalities along the shoreline including Sta. Cruz and Candelaria.

Apostol said uprooted tress, flattened houses, toppled electric posts greeted them on their way to site assessment visit. "The whole scenario showed how strong the typhoon was."

She said they have also implemented food-for-work program and emergency shelter assistance to typhoon victims. Each family will receive P5,000.00 from DSWD Region III for repair and rehabilitation of their damaged house.

The regional office’s support to the typhoon victims, Apostol said, will be coursed through the provincial capitol especially augmentation funds.

She said President Arroyo is set to visit the province on Friday to distribute dwellings assistance to the people in Zambales.- Jess Malabanan