Following Typhoon Uwan’s devastation, relief goods have not yet reached some villages in Hinunangan town, Southern Leyte. The mayor has also called for more aid and building supplies for locals whose homes were totally destroyed.
According to Mayor Ymard Tocmo, aid has already been distributed and clearance activities for fallen trees and other debris have begun because of the improved weather.
However, in order to restore their homes, locals require building supplies like plywood, nails, and galvanized steel.
In a public briefing broadcast on state-run PTV, Tocmo stated, “Yung mga nasa evacuation center natin yung mga pamilya na nasira talaga totally ang mga bahay nila.”
He added that clearing operations are now underway as weather conditions have improved, allowing local government and rescue teams to remove fallen trees, mud, and other debris from major thoroughfares.
Despite these efforts, Tocmo emphasized that immediate assistance is still needed — not only in the form of food packs and bottled water, but also construction materials to help residents rebuild their homes.
The mayor also called on national agencies and non-government organizations to help augment the town’s limited resources, noting that local stocks of relief goods are running low.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), dozens of houses were either damaged or completely destroyed, while several roads remain impassable due to ongoing landslide threats.
Classes and government work in affected areas have been suspended until further notice, while assessment teams continue to verify the number of displaced families.
Meanwhile, provincial authorities said they are coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to expedite the delivery of relief assistance and heavy equipment for road clearing.
Tocmo assured residents that the local government is doing its best to ensure that all affected communities will receive aid as soon as conditions allow.
