November 1, 2024
Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers conduct ocular visits in Camarines Sur
By Dorothy Castro
After the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine (Trami) left many communities heavily damaged, Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers immediately set off to assess the effects of the typhoon in different cities and towns in Camarines Sur.
From October 29 to 31, Bicol volunteers traveled to the cities of Iriga and Naga to coordinate with the local government units and identify how to best help the communities.
Upon arriving at the PagCor Multi-Purpose Evacuation Center in Bula, volunteers were met with 60 families who sought refuge amidst the storm and heavy flooding. Of the 33 barangays (towns) spread across Bula, 20 were flooded, leaving families with no choice but to leave their homes.
In Barangay San Francisco, Baao, Camarines Sur, almost 900 families were devastated by the typhoon. In Bula, Camarines Sur, more than 5,000 families were affected.
Pregnant Marites Bellones gave birth during the heavy storm on October 25 at the PagCor evacuation center. Unable to go home, she nurses her baby in the temporary shelter.
Widespread floods prevented five families from burying their loved ones. These families, who were holding wakes in their homes when the typhoon struck, brought the caskets with their dead to the evacuation center.
With many roads impassable, Tzu Chi volunteers were assisted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC). Riding on the MDRRMC’s relief delivery truck allowed them to conduct their ocular visits in conjunction with the local government unit’s rice distribution for the affected families.
Reaching Barangay San Jose, Iriga, volunteers were met with flooding and residents trying to salvage what was left of their homes. A town that depended on agriculture for its livelihood lost many of its farm animals to the floods. The stench of dead carcasses spread across the community.
In the highly populated Naga, Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers worked hand in hand with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to identify the evacuation centers used and the needs of the families affected. According to Naga CSWDO reports, as of October 29, around 1,000 families sought shelter in 15 evacuation centers.
Volunteers assessed the damages in Naga Centro, Barangay Tabuco, while Barangay Sabang remained inaccessible last October 29 due to knee-level flooding.
Based on the assessment of Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers and the local government units of Iriga and Naga, many communities continue to struggle with lack of basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, and access to electricity in several areas.
Tzu Chi Bicol has also been working in collaboration with Camarines Sur-based NGO JLo BIG HEART Foundation to provide hot meals and transport essential goods across several towns.
A Tzu Chi Bicol volunteer listens to accounts of the typhoon at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council command center in Bula, Camarines Sur.
Marites Bellones, who gave birth during the typhoon, currently recovers at the PagCor Multi-purpose Evacuation Center in Bula, Camarines Sur.
Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers interview evacuees and assess their needs.
At the PagCor Multi-purpose Evacuation Center, families settle on the floor with the items they were able to salvage from their houses during evacuation.
Evacuees store water in the shared kitchen area at the evacuation center.
Struggling to travel to nearby towns due to flooding, Tzu Chi volunteers accept a ride on the transport truck of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council so they can distribute rice to evacuees.
Many areas remain flooded despite the clear skies.
Some areas remain muddy after the flooding.
Many houses and trees were left damaged after the heavy rain and strong winds brought about by Typhoon Kristine (Trami).
Some affected individuals returned to their homes after the rain, despite the flood.
Farm animals were caught in the heavy flooding brought about by Typhoon Kristine (Trami).
Families have since returned to their homes, salvaging what was left after the storm.
Families use boats to get around due to the continued flooding.
To reach communities and evacuation centers, local government units move around using heavy-duty vehicles.
Families have since returned to their homes to clean and repair what was left of their belongings.
When the flood receded, it left many towns with garbage and mud.
Tzu Chi volunteers visited the Naga City Social Welfare and Development Office to get details on the evacuation and needs of families affected.
Tzu Chi volunteers visited the Naga City Social Welfare and Development Office to get details on the evacuation and needs of families affected.
Uncollected garbage is lined along the roads of towns in Sabang, Naga City.