The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced that additional teams and equipment are heading to Bicol region to assist with rescue and relief operations amid the onslaught of the severe tropical storm "Kristine."
“As we speak mayroong padating na mga reinforcement from the Southern Luzon command both personnel and equipment, and at the same time, magpapadala din ng tulong doon kasi we practice at OCD ‘yung pagtulong po ng mga less affected na mga regions to assist nearby regions,” OCD Spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday.
He further mentioned that reinforcement teams are also coming from Eastern Visayas.
"We are getting there with the augmentation ng SOLCOM and Region 8 contingent," Posadas stated.
Teams have already entered Polangui and Libon in Albay. Their current focus is on the ongoing flooding in Camarines Sur and Naga.
Posadas reported that one of the primary challenges at this time is the rising floodwaters, which restrict the movement of both people and equipment.
It was also mentioned that 17 air assets have been positioned in Villamor and Cebu, ready for deployment as soon as the weather improves.
Wrath of STS "Kristine"
The OCD reported a running total of ten casualties. However, their validation list only includes seven individuals as of 8 AM this morning.
"Ito po ‘yung sa 10 pong reported dead ay sa La Union, sa Quezon, sa Albay, sa Naga, sa Catanduanes, at tyaka sa Masbate po," said Posadas.
Furthermore, there are two reported injuries and nine individuals listed as missing.
