BACOLOD CITY – The One Negros Response Team, composed of the provincial government and several local government units, is now in Cebu, as part of the national government effort to help victims of the powerful earthquake that hit the northernmost portion of the province.
As ordered by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the provincial government sent teams and assets, with full logistical support to Cebu.
Dispatched to Cebu over-the-weekend by the provincial government were two water tankers, two mobile water filtration trucks, an ambulance and rescue truck, as well as two utility vehicles.
They were also joined by CSSR (Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue) teams from cities of Sipalay, San Carlos, Sagay, Cadiz, Escalante, Silay and Talisay, who also brought their respective medical teams.
Donato Sermeno III, Office of Civil Defense regional director for Negros Island Region, yesterday said that Cebu needs water and tents.
Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) is sending a water tanker, 200 carboys or huge plastic water containers, and relief goods to earthquake-stricken areas in Cebu.
The water lorry sent last Saturday is in response to the province’s call for immediate relief, specifically for areas in need of water, MDW said in a statement.
The support will coordinate with Dumaguete City Water District and the associations of water districts in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Based on the latest report of the DSWD Disaster Response Operations Information and Communication, a total of 80,595 families or 366,360 persons across 106 villages in Cebu province have been affected by the earthquake.
Of the number, 365 families or 1,795 persons are in eight evacuation centers, while there are 15,092 families or 75,227 persons temporarily staying with relatives or friends.
Sermeno said they were informed that Cebu no longer needs search and rescue teams.
Various non-government organizations and volunteer groups from Negros Occidental also extended help to the Cebu earthquake affected residents.
Army soldiers, policemen and personnel of the Bureau of Fire from Negros Island Region were also sent to Cebu. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds with PNA reports)