Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) reported Monday that 662 families, or 1,959 individuals, have evacuated to safer areas as Super Typhoon Nando continues to batter Northern Luzon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-CAR’s report as of Monday noon indicates that of the displaced, 470 families are currently residing in evacuation centers, while 192 are seeking refuge with relatives or friends. In total, the region has seen 729 families affected by the typhoon: 661 in Apayao, 28 in Abra, 23 in Benguet, nine in Ifugao, and nine in Mountain Province.

Maria Aplaten, regional director of the DSWD-CAR, noted that the agency has recorded three completely destroyed houses and five partially damaged structures in the affected areas. To assist those impacted, the agency has pre-positioned 81,175 family food packs, 19,186 non-food items, and 4,981 ready-to-eat packs across various provinces, municipalities, and barangays. Additionally, a standby fund amounting to PHP2.257 million is available to support relief efforts, with social welfare officers deployed to facilitate the distribution.

Furthermore, the Police Regional Office-CAR (PRO-CAR) has activated full disaster response protocols, deploying 1,081 police officers. Of these, 742 officers have joined Quick Reaction Teams tasked with aiding in rescue and evacuation operations, providing relief assistance, and ensuring peace and order in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has declared a red alert status as they prepare equipment and personnel to address potential electricity outages.