No estimate yet on flood damage

AS THE number of affected families increased, the City Government of Davao has no estimated cost of damage yet on the areas hit by floods during the weekend.

In a phone interview, Maria Luisa Bermudo, City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) head, said the cost of damage has not been calculated since assessment on the damaged properties of each stricken families is still ongoing.

"We have to check per [affected] family kung pila ang damage sa ilang properties. As of now, ongoing pa siya," Bermudo said.

A total of 18 barangays were affected by floods on the night of January 19 after Lasang, Davao and Lipadas, and Talomo rivers overflowed.

Roberto Alabado III, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) acting chief, on Wednesday said based on the latest data from the CSSDO as of January 23 8 a.m., the total number of affected families in the city rose to 14,011 families or 42,618 individuals.

The CSSDO data also showed that 40 houses were totally destroyed while 22 others were partially damaged.

Bermudo said they are set to give financial assistance to the affected families after the City Council on Monday approved the utilization of the five percent calamity fund.

Bermudo said a budget of P37-million will be released for the CSSDO to be distributed as financial assistance to the affected families.

However, she cannot give exact date yet as to when would be the distribution as their validation continues. (Arianne Caryl N. Casas)