Butuan City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already served 149,844 persons from 313 barangays in the region affected by tropical depression Agaton. There are 81,751 persons currently inside the 265 evacuation centers while 27,417 persons stay outside the evacuation centers.

Among the provinces, Surigao del Sur has the highest number of persons affected, 42,837 of them are inside the evacuation centers while 32,084 stay outside the evacuation centers.  Agusan del Norte has 40,726 persons inside evacuation centers while 36,395 persons are outside the evacuation centers. Agusan del Sur 32,218 persons are inside the evacuation centers and 20,123 persons are outside the evacuation centers. Also, Surigao del Norte 23,098 persons are inside the evacuation centers and 7,643 persons are outside evacuation centers. The Province of Dinagat Islands 10,965 persons are inside the evacuation centers and 6,592 persons are outside the evacuation centers.

It was also observed that main roads going to Davao City and Surigao City are no longer passable.

DSWD quick response team is continuously monitoring the affected areas through on site rapid assessment and coordination with the Provincials/Cities/Municipalities Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils by the Community-based Social Workers, Municipal Link Officers and Project Development Officers.

Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli is in full force with the team to continue monitor and report the situation on 24-hour basis. ### Social Marketing Unit/Maria Cecilia N. Sosas.