DSWD: Over 134,000 individuals affected by Wilma, shear line

More than 134,000 individuals were affected by Tropical Depression Wilma and a shear line, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

This is equivalent to about 44,378 families in 340 barangays of seven regions, according to a report by Carlo Mateo on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

These regions are the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga Region.

DSWD reported that 14,930 individuals, or 4,633 families, are taking shelter in 64 evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, over 300 families are staying with their friends or relatives.

DSWD has so far deployed P1.7 million worth of aid to the affected areas.

Earlier on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 8 said over 3,000 families were preemptively evacuated in Eastern Visayas.

Based on the state weather bureau’s 11 a.m. cyclone bulletin, Tropical Depression Wilma has weakened into a low pressure area, resulting in wind signals being lifted across the country.

However, redevelopment into a tropical depression is not ruled out once it is over the West Philippine Sea. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/KG, GMA Integrated News