PGMA visit to Surigao City (RDCC meeting)

Surigao City Airport, Surigao del Norte
January 21, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) meeting in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte to assess the current situation of the province after being damaged by flashfloods and landslides brought about by nine days of continuous heavy rainfall from January 10-18, 2009 in the Caraga region. The President was briefed on the status of relief and rehabilitation efforts being undertaken by various government agencies and the local government for the victims, particularly the displaced families. The President stressed that aside from fast-tracking these efforts to help the victims, a more efficient mechanism program should be put in place to warn local residents of potential flashfloods and landslides that may occur in their areas, thereby saving lives