Negros Occidental also got a share of the international relief effort being poured into the country.

Representatives of the Ireland-based CONCERN Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling poverty and poverty in the world’s poorest countries, yesterday met with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. to extend whatever help to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda, especially in northern Negros.

Ros O’Sullivan, Emergency Response Coordinator of CONCERN Worldwide, said they are assessing the situation in the coastlines of northern Negros, that were devastated by the typhoon.

Sullivan, accompanied by Maranon, Board Member Salvador Escalante, Col. Rey Banares Jr., deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Ma. Lina Sanogal, inspected the coastlines and island barangays of northern Negros, as far as Bantayan Island in Cebu, on board two Air Force helicopters from Zambonga to have an aerial overview of the situation.

The city of Cadiz, Sagay and Manapla were badly battered by the typhoon in northern Negros. More than P107 million in damages was incurred in agricultural crops and fisheries, excluding infrastructure, records of the Offices of the Agriculturist and Veterinarian showed.

The islands of Lakawon in Cadiz City, Molocaboc and Suyac and neighboring islets in Sagay City, had almost 75 percent of their houses flattened by the typhoon.

Marañon said the typhoon inflicted huge damage on island barangays and coastal areas of northern Negros, and poor residents were the most affected.

Marañon, however, said they have covered practically all areas devastated by the typhoon in the province, in the distribution of relief goods.

“We are thankful for the international help that has arrived,” Marañon said.

He said CONCERN Worldwide, which is operating in 24 countries, is now assessing what help they may extend to Negrenses, either through livelihood, shelter or typhoon-proof evacuation centers.

After the aerial assessment, Sullivan said they will do the ground assessment, to meet with officials of Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government executives and hold consultations with the affected communities.

“After that, we will have deliberations and determine how we can best provide support to them,” he added. “But clearly, we are talking about housing, shelter and aspects of relief supplies,” he said.

Aside from CONCERN Worldwide, Marañon said many international donors are also coming to Negros.

Marañon, who said he is expects more natural calamities to come due to climate change, also said “This not only the problem of the government, it is the problem of everybody and each of us has to be aware and be careful”.

“Climate change is here to stay… it is no longer a theory, it is already a fact,” he said.*GPB

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