DSWD on blue alert as Typhoon Saudel nears Philippine area of responsibility
At A Glance
- DSWD has standby funds amounting to ₱667 million ready to be utilized during disaster response operations.
- At least 3.7 million boxes of family food packs are also available in strategic hubs, spokes, and last-mile areas nationwide.
PAGASA
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is keeping its disaster response operations on Blue Alert as Typhoon Saudel approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Saudel, which will be given the local name “Obet” once it enters PAR, is expected to cross the country’s northeastern boundary on Monday, Aug. 24.
DSWD said its Disaster Response Command Center remains on Blue Alert even after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council downgraded the alert status of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center from Red to Blue on Aug. 20.
“Although the alert status has been lowered, the DSWD continues to monitor and coordinate with various government agencies and local governments that need assistance due to the previous storms and enhanced southwest monsoon. The DSWD is also ready to respond to any possible effects of the new weather disturbance outside the PAR,” DSWD Disaster Response and Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Dumlao also said the agency has standby funds amounting to ₱667 million ready to be utilized during disaster response operations.
At least 3.7 million boxes of family food packs are also available in strategic hubs, spokes, and last-mile areas nationwide.
These include about 369,000 boxes at the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City, 512,000 boxes at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City, and 174,000 boxes at the Mindanao Disaster Resource Center in Butuan City.
Dumlao said the DSWD continues to coordinate with its field offices and local government units as several areas recover from the effects of previous tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
DSWD also reminded the public to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides as heavy rains may continue in some areas due to various weather systems affecting the country.
“We urge the public to remain prepared and listen to the advisories and instructions of their local officials to avoid any untoward incidents that may be caused by bad weather,” Dumlao said.