DHSUD activates shelter cluster teams to assist quake-affected residents in Mindanao
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has ordered the activation of shelter cluster teams in areas affected by the 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
Acuzar stressed the importance of immediate response in the affected areas after receiving reports that a number of houses were damaged while several families were displaced as a result of the earthquake on Friday, Nov. 17.
“We are also readying other forms of assistance to the affected population with the help of our partner NGOs (non-government organizations),” said Acuzar.
Based on the report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the two most affected regions are Davao and Soccsargen ((South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos).
Its initial reports also disclosed that at least 74 houses in Regions 11 and 12 were either partially or totally damaged due to the tectonic quake.
DHSUD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Randy Escolango, for his part, said he already directed affected Regional Offices "o closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction and facilitate emergency responses and humanitarian assistance as needed.
"All Regional Directors are enjoined to coordinate with the respective Shelter Cluster Members within their regions and convene using all available means," said Escolango.
The affected DHSUD-Regional Offices were also tasked to submit daily situation reports to the DHSUD Central Office.
Escolango said that DHSUD and its partner-NGO International Organization for Migration have readied shelter grade tarpaulins for distribution to affected families.