LUNA, Apayao – A total of 13, 253 families composed of 46, 340 individuals in the province were affected by Typhoon Marce, according to the report of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) on Nov. 10.
Of this affected number, the municipality of Luna recorded the highest number with 3,366 families or 11,866 persons. Calanasan reported 2,744 or 10,892 individuals. Santa Marcela with 2,459 families or 7,341 individuals. Pudtol with 2,108 families or 6,979 persons. Flora with 1,439 families or 5,560 persons. Conner with 844 families or 2,650 persons. And Kabugao with 293 families or 1,052 persons.
Moreover, due to the strength of the typhoon 3,704 families or 10, 324 individuals were displaced, and 4,465 houses were damaged. Out of this number of damaged houses, 65 were totally ruined and 4,400 were partially.
The PSWDO said the numbers reported may increase once consolidation of data is completed to include the damages on agriculture, livelihood, and infrastructures.
Of the survivors, 9,094 families or 30,856 individuals have been served and provided food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, family kits and other food items. Relief operations are being conducted by the DSWD, the provincial and municipal governments to provide prompt response to the affected.
On Nov. 11, the ‘Rebuilding Apayao: Materials Assistance Program for Typhoon Marce Victims’ was launched by the provincial government to extend support to residents with damaged houses thru the provision of galvanized sheets, nails, and tie wires through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office spearheads said program.
Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. assured all yApayaos that response and aid efforts are being done to those affected by Typhoon Marce, and also Typhoon Nika, which exacerbated the challenges of recovery from the first disaster. By Arjay Baysa