DSWD Escalates Relief Efforts as Typhoon Carina Intensifies Habagat, Affecting Thousands

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ramped up its disaster response as the southwest monsoon, amplified by Typhoon Carina, heavily impacts regions across Luzon and Visayas. The agency’s Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) has initiated a ‘red alert’ to brace for the escalating conditions, intensifying their readiness to mitigate the effects on affected communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the red alert status mobilizes all resources for immediate deployment. The announcement follows a directive from Secretary Rex Gatchalian to elevate the DRCC and regional DSWD Field Offices (FOs) to their highest level of operational readiness. The July 23 report from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management Information Center (DROMIC) highlighted the distribution of approximately PHP190,124 in aid to affected areas in Regions 3, 5, and 6.

The DSWD’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) ensures the continuous replenishment of food and non-food items for distribution. Dumlao emphasized the collaboration between DSWD FOs and local government units to coordinate relief and monitor evolving needs. To date, Typhoon Carina and the enhanced monsoon have impacted 224 families or 975 persons, with 152 persons currently sheltered in evacuation centers across Central Luzon and Western Visayas.

The agency has prepositioned over 1.5 million family food packs across various regions to address immediate needs, backed by a PHP2.5 billion reserve in stockpile and standby funds.

Additionally, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has placed its units on alert for potential humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo reported that air and ground teams are prepared for deployment, with assets ready for search and rescue operations and rapid damage assessment.