LUNA, Apayao – As of August 29, 2023, the Apayao Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has reported substantial damage inflicted by Typhoon Goring in Apayao.
Initial reports submitted to the PDRRMO indicate that the municipality of Luna has been particularly hard-hit, with 452 affected families. Additionally, Conner and Santa Marcela have reported 3 and 151 affected families, respectively, with Santa Marcela agricultural losses estimated at a total of 4,797,400 pesos.
The cost of damage to infrastructure is still being assessed by the PDRRMO office.
In response to the crisis, the PDRRMC is actively coordinating with municipal disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs) to monitor the situation in their respective areas.
PDRRMO Jeoffrey Borromeo in an interview said, “We are mobilizing local government resources and assets as needed to assist affected families during this emergency”.
To ensure the safety of the yApayaos, the PDRRMO advises residents, especially those in high-risk areas susceptible to flooding and landslides to remain calm and take necessary preemptive measures to mitigate the effects of Typhoon Goring. This includes participating in preemptive evacuations, staying informed through local DRRMCs for updates, and following the instructions of authorities.
Furthermore, the provincial government, in collaboration with local governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has prepared relief goods, including food packs, for distribution to affected families. Some of these relief supplies have already been provided to those affected in the province. By Jomela Dela Torre
