The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 6,397 family food packs (FFPs) to families badly affected by flooding caused by a shear line in Eastern Samar province last week.

Of the total, 1,230 FFPs were distributed in Arteche town, 1,883 in Jipapad, 1,584 FFPs in Maslog, and 1,700 FFPs in Oras town.

The four towns have been prioritized for food assistance distribution as these areas experienced severe flooding due to incessant rains dumped by the weather disturbance, according to a DSWD report released Monday.

The shear line last week affected Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar provinces, displacing 25,872 families in 18 towns.

“The relief distribution aims to offer immediate support, particularly addressing the food needs of families whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by the prolonged heavy rains and flooding associated with the ongoing effects of the shear line in the region,” the DSWD regional office said.

A box of FFP is enough to feed a family with two to three members for two to three days.

Each pack, costing PHP500, contains six kilograms of rice, four cans of corned beef, two cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of energy drink.

Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, local governments are the first responders, and DSWD must augment the response efforts after disasters. (PNA)