Eastern Samar: The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office-Eastern Visayas (DSWD-FO-8) has distributed 23,400 family food packs to families in Eastern Samar who have been affected by recent flooding. The flooding was a result of the shear line impacting the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced that the Field Office-8 dispatched the food packs promptly after receiving a request from the provincial government of Eastern Samar.

Assistant Secretary Dumlao highlighted that Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the field office in Eastern Visayas to ensure the swift delivery of the family food packs. This initiative was part of the department’s immediate response to the needs of the flood-affected communities.

As of March 21, the weather disturbance has affected a total of 28,582 families, which translates to 98,805 persons across 165 villages in the region. Among these, 1,665 families, or 6,288 individuals, have been displaced by the flooding. These displaced individuals are currently residing in evacuation centers or have sought temporary shelter with relatives or friends.

Assistant Secretary Dumlao further stated that DSWD FO-8 is continuously monitoring the situation. The department is working closely with local government units to evaluate the needs of the affected families. The Quick Response Team remains on standby, ready to be activated if further assistance is required.

Currently, the DSWD has a stockpile and standby funds amounting to more than PHP952 million to support ongoing and future relief efforts.