Rescuers recovered the remains of Bevelyn Pasinio, a resident of Barangay Albuno.
Irving Jasper Iglupas of the disaster management operation committee of Iligan Disaster Coordinating Committee said they did all they could to rescue victims of flashfloods in Sta. Lucia, Mahayahay, “especially the kids and elderly.”
Iglupas said the distribution of the relief goods will be done by the City Social Welfare Office with the assistance of the Philippine National Red Cross-Lanao chapter.
Iglupas explained they have yet to document the exact number of houses damaged, other than the first 20 houses reported destroyed in Barangay Merila.
Damaged houses in Mahayahay, Dalipuga and other urban poor communities along the riverbanks have yet to be counted, he said.
The City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) has office mobilized volunteers for the relief operation “through our mass feeding program.”
Sonia Suan, officer of CSWD, said evacuees are temporarily staying in schools, auditorium, Catholic chapels and in barangay halls in the affected communities.
“We are hoping to receive donations from the private sector and the civil society. Truly, our relief goods aren’t enough,” she said.
Suan said CSWD was able to give a limited supply of rice, noodles and sardines to the evacuees.
“We are still continually documenting the evacuation status,” she added.
Annielou Flores, volunteer of Red Cross (PNRC)-Lanao chapter said the City Health Office (CHO) should conduct a medical mission for the children.
“For now, we are only able to give one sack of rice per evacuation center for emergency food assistance,” she said.
“The Red Cross has not done a total relief operation yet though we also lead in the rescue operation,” Flores added.
The office of Rep. Varf Belmonte of the 1st District of Lanao del Norte distributed today relief goods to evacuees in Barangay Tubod, consisting of 20 sacks of rice, 24 boxes of sardines and 35 boxes of noodles.
Gumampong Mamarinta, community organizer of the Office of the Maranao, Higaonon and Other Cultural Communities reported that Maranaos residing in Mahayahay have already returned to their homes but need assistance in repairing their damaged houses. (Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews)