At least 3,310 families from the Agusan del Sur town of Veruela received family food packs (FFPs) through the augmentation operation conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga Region (DSWD-13) on Monday.

On the same day, 281 families from Sta. Josefa town, also in Agusan del Sur, was aided by the agency with food packs.

“The DSWD-13 has stepped up its response efforts by providing immediate relief through the FFPs,” the DSWD said in a statement on Tuesday.

DSWD-13 noted while the distribution activities to the affected families are ongoing, rains caused by the shear line continued to affect most areas in Agusan del Sur and the rest of the region.

Also on Tuesday, the agency reported that 5,100 FFPs are in transit for affected families in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways-13 said clearing operations continue in different areas of Surigao del Sur, which are hit by landslides and floods due to continuous heavy downpours.

Clearing operations are being conducted along the Lingig-Bislig highway, particularly in Barangay Pagbakatan, Lingig town, and in the collapsed slope protection at Bislig Bridge in Bislig City.

Similar operations are ongoing at the Taongon Bypass Road in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, due to flooding and in the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road in Barangay Ipil, Placer, Surigao del Norte due to soil erosion. (PNA)