By Leilani Junio
MANILA, (PNA) — The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development said Monday it is closely coordinating with the Local Government Units in Olongapo City in providing assistance to the affected families.
“We are coordinating with the LGU in assisting the affected families in the area. We will provide hot meals and food packs for evacuees,” said DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.
Soliman said at the moment there are about two existing evacuation centers in Olongapo.
“We will open more if needed,” Soliman added.
Soliman made the statement in response to the plea of local government officials in Olongapo who had declared a state of calamity in the area and sought the help of the national government in rescue and relief efforts.
According to officials of Olongapo, the flooding they experienced now was the worst that they experienced in more than 25 years.
Severe floodings and landslides in Olongapo City was brought by 10 hours of continuous, heavy rains that hit Zambales and other nearby provinces brought about by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm Odette.
The typhoon left the Philippines Sunday and is now in southern Cahina.