Government agencies on full alert, says Palace

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. Photo from https://pcoo.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Various government agencies are on “full alert” status for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan), Malacañang said on Friday as it raised to P53.23 million government’s fund for relief operations.

“The different agencies of government led by NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) are now on full red alert. The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare Development) is ready to distribute the relief goods to the affected people in provinces, cities and municipalities,” Secretary Herminio Coloma, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), said in a press briefing.

“The agency has raised the additional funds  to P53.24 million,” he said, referring to the DSWD.

Coloma said the DSWD has also called on civilian volunteers and organizations to help them pack the relief goods in the National Relief Operations Center in Malibay, Pasay City.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona, meanwhile, directed all hospitals to immediately attend to the medical needs of those affected by the typhoon.

The National Grid Corporation, Coloma said, was working to bring back electricity in areas hit by power disruptions.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways was also prepared to clear the roads and waterways.

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