OCD sends rapid deployment team to Kristine-hit Naga

The Office of Civil Defense has deployed its rapid deployment team to Naga City, one of the hard hit areas of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

According to OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno on Monday, the team will oversee the distribution of relief goods in the area. The relief items include kitchen kits, shelter repair items, family food packs, medical supplies, and clean water. 

“A team has been deployed to Naga to manage the incoming relief supplies arriving from Villamor Air Base to Bicol International Airport. This team will also facilitate the distribution of these essential items to affected areas. The Office of Civil Defense serves as the logistics coordinator for all incoming relief supplies transported via aircraft,” Nepomuceno said in a press release.

The OCD said the relief items are being sourced from various agencies and they are currently being transported to the Bicol Region for distribution across multiple provinces. The operation commenced on Sunday, utilizing aircraft from Malaysia and Singapore, it added. 

Further, personnel from OCD regional offices have arrived in Naga City to provide additional support, including an augmentation of staff at the Emergency Operations Center and logistical assistance.

Over the weekend, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. provided P80 million worth of financial aid to the local governments of Albay and Naga City following the onslaught of Kristine.

Marcos gave P50 million to Acting Albay Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao and P30 million to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion.

Aside from the financial items and relief packs, Marcos said the government would also be providing additional medical manpower in the Bicol Region.--Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL, GMA Integrated News