President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed a "very focused" government response to aid those affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
In a situation briefing at Malacañang before inspecting affected areas in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, Marcos emphasized the importance of a targeted approach. "What we are trying to do here is to have a very good understanding of what the situation is on the ground... that's why it has to be focused," Marcos stated.
He underscored the need for precise allocation of resources. "We have to be very focused in the use of what we have. We need to determine where the areas are that are still in the rescue phase and where the areas are now in the relief phase," he added.
Marcos clarified that rescue operations and aid distribution could proceed simultaneously. "You can be in rescue phase and relief phase at the same time," he said, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts across agencies.
Hard-Hit Areas and Evacuation Reports
During the briefing, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. identified the most severely affected localities as of 6:00 AM:
- Abucay, Bataan
- Baliwag, Bulacan
- Obando, Bulacan
- Plaridel, Bulacan
- Pulilan, Bulacan
- Sta. Maria, Bulacan
- Cainta, Rizal
- Taytay, Rizal
- San Mateo, Rizal
- Morong, Rizal
- Rodriguez, Rizal
- Angono, Rizal
- Tingloy, Batangas
These areas were classified based on limited access to relief goods, widespread damage, high displacement numbers, and lack of non-food items.
As of 5:00 AM, Abalos reported 36,319 families or 149,006 individuals evacuated across Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Quezon City recorded the highest number of evacuees in NCR, with around 22,000 individuals.
The Metro Manila Council has declared a state of calamity in NCR due to extensive flooding.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian reported that 360,000 food packs are being deployed or picked up by local government units (LGUs), with an additional 100,000 food packs requested by LGUs the previous night.
Continued Impact and Response
The effects of Typhoon Carina and Habagat persisted on Wednesday, disrupting livelihoods, homes, and transportation nationwide. Reports included floods, swollen rivers, landslides, and soil erosion in various areas.
Although Typhoon Carina has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, PAGASA warned that it will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing moderate to intense rains over the western section of Luzon.
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