Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 2000 families received relief assistance from the congressional representatives of Lanao del Norte last July 29 at Kapatagan municipal gym.

The families were victims of recent flooding in the coastal town of Kapatagan due to torrential rains brought about by tropical storm “Juaning”.

“Seeing their pitiful condition in the evacuation centers, we had to lend a helping hand to these poor victims and somehow ease their suffering”, 1st District Representative Imelda Dimaporo expressed.

The relief assistance consists of 5 kilos rice, noodles soup packs, cans of sardines and beef loaf.

Among hardest-hit barangays were Balili, Donggo-an, Lapinig, Concepcion, and Sitio Sta. Cruz in Poblacion.

“We have to be constantly prepared. With more typhoons expected to enter the Philippines this year, being prepared for any disaster is our best move”, 2nd District Representative Aliah Dimaporo exhorted the residents.

The heavy rains also triggered landslides in Brgy. Donggo-an that temporarily blocked the national highway.  However, heavy equipment from DPWH aided by troops from the 35th IB immediately cleared the mudslide and debris and restored normal traffic flow in the area.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Annabelle Mendez, 120 families have been evacuated to the municipal gym while waiting for water level in the affected areas to subside.

Although almost 2,300 families were affected by the severe weather, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have not received reports of any casualty.

Tropical Storm ‘Juaning’ have already claimed 27 lives, mostly in the Bicol region according to the Office of Civil Defense in Region V (Bicol).

Based on weather updates from PAGASA, as Typhoon ‘Juaning’ exits the Philippines, ‘Kabayan’, a new tropical storm is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, July 30. LAR&VNL/PIO-LDN