Communication and internet connectivity issues, power outage, and transportation of goods were among the problems that have hampered the country’s response operations in areas affected by typhoon Odette, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Friday, Dec. 24.

The problems were seen during the initial assessment conducted by teams deployed to areas hit by “Odette" to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA).

The RDANA is being conducted by the DSWD with the assistance of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and concerned government agencies “to determine the extent of damage and immediate response requirements that the government needs to aid the affected population.”

“Based on initial assessment, some of the problems that hinder the response operations are communication and internet connectivity issues, power outage, and transportation of goods,” it said in a statement.

The DSWD said despite the challenges hounding the disaster response operations, it continues its close coordination with the local government units (LGUs) and other partner-agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Navy for effective monitoring and reporting of status of the affected families and prompt delivery of relief items to disaster areas.

“The Department, while still in the response period, is ensuring that minimum health and safety protocols are in place, particularly in the evacuation centers,” it stressed.

It likewise assured the public of the implementation of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management and Protection COVID-19 Operational Guidance in evacuation sites. This aims to regularly observe the health status of internally displaced persons and to monitor the entrance and exit points of evacuation camps.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/24/304234-people-to-spend-christmas-in-evacuation-centers/

Meanwhile, the DSWD said continuous provision of food packs and other non-food items will be extended to the affected residents.

As of 6 p.m., Dec. 24, more than P 93.2 million worth of humanitarian assistance has been extended by the DSWD, LGUs, and non-government organizations (NGOs) to the typhoon victims.

“Aside from the initial actions taken, the Department is simultaneously coordinating with its Field Offices for consolidation and preparation of appropriate documents for the recovery and rehabilitation phase for Odette-hit areas.”