The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will request the Office of the President (OP) to provide emergency shelter assistance (ESA) for families affected by Typhoon Odette.

The council approved the recommendation during its emergency council meeting on Thursday.

The NDRRMC’s Shelter Cluster, during the meeting, identified the provision of cash assistance and housing materials, and the setting up of transitional shelters as part of the government’s relief efforts.

“This (shelter assistance) can be provided through the NDRRM Fund since this is subject for replenishment,” NDRRMC executive director and Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad said during the virtual meeting.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año reported that the OP is already providing cash assistance of PHP 5,000 per affected low-income family.

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC Operations Center also reported that “Odette” has so far affected a total of 2,224,803 families, with 401 dead, 1,261 injured and 65 missing as reported casualties.

Aside from Typhoon Odette, the Office of Civil Defense also gave an update on the rehabilitation and recovery activities in connection with the effects of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses.

The council approved the recommendation on the development of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan with medium- and long-term programs, projects, and activities for the affected communities.

“Kailangan lahat ng agencies will contribute para magkaroon ng comprehensive recovery plan (All agencies need to contribute so we can have a comprehensive recovery plan) All we have to do is consolidate these things and put them into one document,” NDRRMC chair and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reminded the council, as he commended the efforts of all agencies in the massive relief operations. (PNA)