Gerry Carillo, head of the City Disaster Council, said they are just awaiting the go-signal from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) to enable them to send the reinforcement team to Abra.
“While paths vital to establishing supply lines are yet to be secured, OCD has recommended disaster offices of Regions 6, 7, and 8 to be on standby. For now, OCD is only mobilizing National Capital Region and Cordillera Administrative Region due to the limited access of vehicle support,” Carillo said Friday, July 29.
The team that will be sent to Abra will be composed of personnel from the Quick Response Team.
Carillo said the city is conducting the needed assessment to determine the extent of damage in Abra.
“We are currently coordinating with OCD to acquire an early or initial Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis of the surrounding area, so that we will know what assistance we can extend, whether it be cash, goods, or manpower, Abra seriously requires,” Carillo said.
Carillo said his office is also looking for sources of funds to extend financial aid to the victims.
While still awaiting the OCD instruction, Carillo said the city will initiate a donation drive for last Wednesday’s magnitude-7 earthquake.
“We will also be coordinating with our Public Information Office to set up a booth here in City Hall to collect donations for the earthquake victims. We will inform the public of goods the victims require the most, so as to properly guide and inform private donation drives,” said Carillo.