By Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) 11:10am
In this Dec. 17, 2017 photo provided by Philippine National Police Region 8, rescuers and police try to clear an area from boulders after Tropical Storm Kai-Tak hit the island province of Biliran, central Philippines. A slow-moving storm has left dozens of people dead and several others missing mostly due to landslides and floods and stranded thousands of holiday travelers in the central Philippines, officials said. Philippine National Police Region 8 via AP
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical storm Urduja (international name Kai-Tak) devastated Eastern Visayas when it struck the region last weekend, triggering landslides and killing at least 40 persons.
Casualties were reported in Biliran, Eastern and Samar. The province of Biliran and local governments of Kananga, Tanauan, Carigara, Ormoc and Tacloban in Leyte have been placed under a state of calamity. That gives them access to emergency funds for disaster relief and puts price freezes on basic goods.
Biliran Gov. Gerardo Espina said that communities in the province are running out of fuel and water as the storm damaged many vital bridges, preventing delivery of supplies.
The Philippine Navy is set to utilize its newest and largest ships to deliver relief goods and basic services, as well as carry out humanitarian assistance and response operations in affected families and communities.
Those who would like to help families affected by the typhoon may donate through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Dollar Savings Account
Account Name: DSWD FOREIGN DONATION
Account Number: 3124-0055-81
Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX
Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Account Name: DSWD FOREIGN DONATION
Account Number: 3124-0055-81
Swift Code: TLBPPHMMXXX
Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Peso Savings Account
Account Name: DSWD DONATION FUND
Account Number: 3122-1011-84
Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Account Name: DSWD DONATION FUND
Account Number: 3122-1011-84
Bank Address: Land Bank of the Philippines, Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Some netizens have also started initiatives to help families and communities affected by the typhoon.
Biliran needs our help. Share a Noche Buena pack to a family this Christmas for P600/ basket #TabangBiliran Pledges thru @Sinagtala @PencilTreks or DM for bank details.credits to @PhilstarNews @JadePardilla
Hi everyone!
We are currently looking for donations, such as clothes and food, for the victims of Typhoon Urduja that hit the province of Biliran, which is my hometown. For those who are willing to donate, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and God bless!#BangonBiliran
The DSWD is currently conducting relief operations to respond to the needs of those who were affected by Urduja. Teams will be deployed to different provinces including Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Samar and Northern Samar.
