By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Relief goods are ready for distribution in earthquake-stricken areas of Central Visayas particularly in Negros Oriental but damaged roads and bridges in some towns hamper government operations.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Operations and Capacity Parisya Taradji on Tuesday said food and non-food items from the agency’s office in Region 7 are already being distributed to affected families especially in areas hardly hit by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake yesterday (Feb. 6).

“We were ready to ship some of our relief items (from Manila) to Dumaguete City, and we are now releasing about P10 million as an augmentation to the relief operations in Region 7,” said Taradji in an interview.

She said officials of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has assured that they will be provided transportation for the speedy distribution of relief items.

“Possible problem ay yung how to bring in the goods but we are assured by the NDRRMC of the availability of transport facilities like boats and chopper to bring in the goods to those areas if needed,” she added.

These areas were identified as the towns of Ayungon, Mabinay, Tanjay, Tayasan, La Libertad and the cities of Guihulngan and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental province and Cebu City.

Taradji said they would also ship tents and power generators in areas with electric interruptions.

She said that the DSWD will also conduct stress debriefing to affected residents.

DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman earlier directed its Quick Response Teams to assist local government units in assessing the impact of the disaster.

She said there is enough standby funds and supplies that are ready for distribution to the affected areas.

Soliman is set to visit Dumaguete City on Wednesday (Feb. 8).

In its latest report, the NDRRMC said at least 15 persons were confirmed dead while 71 others are still missing.

Power was also cut off in several areas.

Initial estimate by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the earthquake’s damage to roads and bridges reached P265.75 million.

In Dumaguete, five bridges are not passable due to damages. These are: Martilo Bridge km 64+800 (La Libertad); Pangaloan Bridge (Jimalalud); Oyangon Bridge; San Jose Bridge km 101+669; and Bateria Bridge.

In Cebu, impassable roads include the Dalaguete-Mantalongon-Badian Road in Badian town.