Iloilo city: Over PHP3.2 million in humanitarian assistance has been initially disbursed to assist families affected by Tropical Storm Ramil in Western Visayas. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) reported that, as of 4 a.m. Monday, the adverse weather conditions have impacted 42,963 families or 154,664 individuals across 332 barangays in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, 2,310 families, or 8,435 individuals, are currently taking refuge in 142 evacuation centers throughout the region. Additionally, 2,635 families, equating to 9,690 persons, have sought temporary shelter with friends or relatives. The DSWD still has PHP82.9 million in available resources, which includes PHP2.79 million in standby funds and PHP80.11 million worth of food and non-food items.

On Sunday, DSWD-6 OIC-Regional Director Joselito Estember spearheaded the relief operation in collaboration with the local government unit of Roxas City. Affected families received family food packs, while those in evacuation centers were provided with ready-to-eat food boxes. Estember noted that the food packs are intended to offer immediate relief, with each pack containing 6 kilos of rice, canned goods, cereal drink, and coffee. The ready-to-eat food boxes contain pre-packed meals that require no preparation.