NDRRMC: Building shelters for ‘Sendong’ victims next focus

After search and retrieval operations, building temporary shelters will be the next focus of authorities helping victims of tropical storm “Sendong” (Washi).

 

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Benito Ramos also admitted Wednesday it may take some time before the victims’ lives can return to normal.

 

“Sa ngayon [para sa mga] nasa evacuation center, magtatayo ng temporary shelter muna para ‘di magsikip sa eskuwelahan at gagamitin ng bata para sa pag-aaral (For now, our focus is to build temporary shelters for those staying in evacuation centers, so the schools now being used as evacuation centers can be used for classes),” he said in an interview on dwIZ radio.

 

When asked how long it may take before the victims get back on their feet, Ramos said, “Medyo magtagal siguro (It may take a long time).”

 

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, the NDRRMC said that of the 65,067 families or 348,749 people "Sendong" affected, 10,039 families or 44,213 people are staying in 60 evacuation centers.

 

The NDRRMC said at least 976 had been confirmed dead as of Wednesday morning.

 

Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities were among the hardest-hit areas.

 

Ramos said that while the evacuees are housed in temporary shelters, authorities will plan core shelters for them, although these may take time to build.

 

“Ang core shelter later dahil maraming requirement ‘yan. Kailangan ng environmental clearance certificate, ‘di ito flood- or landslide-prone area, etc. (Core shelters may take time to build because of the requirements involved. There are environmental clearances to secure, and you have to show the location is not prone to floods or landslides),” he said. –KG, GMA News