Marcos: P1.2-M humanitarian aid released amid Aghon; P3-B on standby

DISPLACED. Department of Social Welfare and Development staff distribute family food packs to residents displaced by the effects of Typhoon Aghon in Pasacao, Camarines Sur on Sunday (May 26, 2024). Sixty-two families who preemptively evacuated Saturday due to possible landslides, storm surges, and floods have returned home. (Photo: DSWD Field Office 5 – Bicol/Facebook)

MANILA – Over PHP1.2 million in humanitarian assistance have been given to persons affected by Typhoon Aghon, while around PHP3 billion worth of aid is on standby, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday.

In a statement posted on social media, Marcos assured continued government assistance as Aghon batters Luzon.

“Nagbahagi tayo ng mahigit PhP1.2 milyong humanitarian assistance, at inihanda natin ang mahigit PhP3 bilyong halaga ng standby funds at prepositioned goods at stockpiles, upang masiguro ang mas malawak at mabilis na tulong para sa ating mga kababayang apektado ng bagyong #AghonPH (We have distributed more than PHP1.2 million in humanitarian assistance, and we have prepared more than PHP3 billion worth of standby funds and prepositioned goods and stockpiles, to ensure wider and faster assistance for our countrymen affected by typhoon #AghonPH),” Marcos said.

“Asahan nating patuloy ang ating mga ahensya sa pagsuporta sa bawat komunidad at pagtiyak sa maayos na kalagayan ng ating mga mamamayan (Expect our government agencies to continue supporting every community and ensuring the well-being of our citizens),” he added.

Aghon reached typhoon category late Sunday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 8 a.m., Aghon was last seen over the coastal waters of Casiguran, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gusts of 170 kph.

It slightly slowed down and is now moving 10 kph at the north northeast.

Aghon is expected to retain typhoon status until it leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday, PAGASA said.

8.4K families affected

In its situation report on Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 8,465 families have been affected by Aghon so far.

This is equivalent to 19,373 persons from 158 villages in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions.

The NDRRMC was also validating reports of seven injuries in Bicol.

It likewise monitored a total of 3,852 passengers stranded in various ports in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Central Visayas, along with 35 vessels, 10 motorbancas and 315 rolling cargoes.

Meanwhile, 22 houses were reported damaged in Eastern Visayas, 18 of which were partially damaged while four were totally damaged.