Marcos orders rapid aid deployment to Bicol after severe storm Kristine
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a rapid deployment of aid to the Bicol Region, which has been severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Over 2.66 million people are impacted, with 239,200 in evacuation centers and an initial death toll of 13.
The government is mobilizing resources through land, air, and sea to deliver essential supplies. A C-130 plane has already been sent with communication equipment and water filtration units. Local officials report challenges in reaching submerged areas, complicating relief efforts.
Marcos acknowledged the difficulties in response operations, contrasting his earlier feelings of helplessness before the storm. He plans to visit Camarines Sur to discuss a comprehensive recovery plan, with available calamity funds being allocated to affected local governments.