The Incident Management Team (IMT) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Dinagat Islands delivered 358,880 liters of utility water to affected villages, government offices, and schools during weeklong emergency operations

The operation was launched in response to the continuing water crisis that has affected the province since last month.

“This massive emergency distribution campaign targeted schools, government offices, healthcare facilities, and vulnerable residential areas affected by the drought,” the IMT said in a news release Monday.

From Sept. 21 to 23, the IMT distributed 100,300 liters of utility water to the capitol compound to help maintain essential government services, as well as to the elementary and high schools in Barangay Cuarinta in San Jose town and the Surigao del Norte State University campus.

During the period, the IMT also delivered 310 gallons of purified drinking water to district healthcare centers.

In separate operations Sept. 19 to 24, the Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO) distributed 180,000 liters of utility water to residents of Barangay Cuarinta and to the Libjo and Loreto district hospitals.

PABEO likewise facilitated the distribution of 177 gallons of drinking water to two district hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Engineering Office and Nickel Well Water Tanks delivered 34,580 liters of utility water to schools and for sanitation and provincial maintenance needs during the period.

On Sept. 25, IMT safety officers inspected the water reservoir of the BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services) Center of the Caraga Regional Hospital in Basilisa town to assess its water capacity.

The IMT also delivered 44,000 liters of utility water to the center, including government grounds, educational facilities and surrounding residential communities. (PNA)