DSWD places disaster response offices on high alert due to 'Nando'
DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed its disaster response offices nationwide on high alert as Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) moves closer to Luzon.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency has directed all Disaster Response Management Divisions (DRMDs) in field offices across the country to activate and reinforce disaster response protocols.
Dumlao said food and non-food items have already been prepositioned in strategic areas, while evacuation centers are being assessed to ensure they are safe, accessible, and fully equipped to accommodate displaced families.
The DSWD, which leads three clusters under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Food and Non-Food Items, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and Internally Displaced Persons Protection, also assured the public that quick response teams are on standby.
These teams are coordinating with local government units and disaster risk reduction and management councils to facilitate pre-emptive evacuations and ensure a well-coordinated disaster response, particularly for vulnerable communities, Dumlao added.