Samar folk affected by Usman gear up for yet another tropical cyclone

The townspeople of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, who have just begun rebuilding hundreds of houses Tropical Depression Usman destroyed last month are already gearing up for an oncoming weather disturbance that could develop into another tropical depression.

According to a "Balitanghali" report by Cecille Villarosa, over 500 houses were totally damaged in Usman's onslaught; while 1,692 have been partially destroyed.

As another possible tropical depression approaches Samar landmass, Lope de Vega Mayor Ana Palloc on Saturday said they have begun preparatory measures, including pre-positioning of rescue equipment and relief goods.

They also plan to keep the local operation center open 24/7. 

"Dapat may medical team na on-duty tapos yung volunteers dapat nandiyan sa operation centers, then 'yung pre-positioned goods ay dapat naka-ready," Palloc said.

The town was barely out of their recovery and rehabilitation stage from Usman, but the local government said their P4-million calamity fund has already been depleted on rescue equipment and relief goods.

She said they have requested for additional assistance from the national government.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development had pledged food packs, emergency shelter center assistance, and construction materials, while the Department of Labor and Employment had planned to implement a cash-for-work program for affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Kapuso Foundation has started to pack relief goods with the assistance of soldiers in Calbayog City, Samar. —Margaret Claire Layug/LBG, GMA News