MANILA, Philippines — The recent typhoons “Nika,” “Ofel,” and “Pepito” have caused serious trouble for many people. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shared that over 2.3 million individuals or more than 630,000 families have been affected by these strong storms.
What Happened?
As of November 18, a total of 634,476 families from 4,603 different villages in eight regions across the country felt the typhoons’ wrath. Many had their homes flooded or destroyed, and entire communities were disrupted.
Where Were People Hit the Hardest?
The hardest-hit regions include:
- Ilocos
- Cagayan Valley
- Central Luzon
- Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon)
- Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan)
- Bicol
- Eastern Visayas
- Cordillera Administrative Region
These areas faced heavy rains, strong winds, and flash floods, leaving many families in need of urgent help.
Evacuation Efforts
To keep everyone safe, around 111,799 families (or about 458,494 people) had to evacuate their homes. Schools and community centers have become temporary shelters for these families seeking safety from the storm.
Help for the Victims
The government and various aid organizations have stepped in to provide help. So far, more than 70 million pesos worth of relief goods like food, water, and blankets have been distributed to those affected.
A Struggle to Recover
The aftermath is heartbreaking, especially for older residents like the woman in Baler, Aurora province, who was seen collecting her belongings from what was left of her home. People are trying to pick up the pieces, but the recovery process will be tough.
The DSWD and other local agencies are working hard to provide ongoing support and relief to all the families impacted by these devastating typhoons.
