The national government has already released PHP40.79 million for families impacted by the devastating flood in Northern Samar late last year, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here reported on Monday.

The emergency cash transfer has already benefited 13,418 shearline-affected families in the province as of January 29, said DSWD regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua in a phone interview.

Each family received PHP3,040 under the DSWD’s emergency cash transfer (ECT) program.

“ECT is an unconditional cash support for early recovery. The payout to the affected families in Northern Samar will continue in the coming days, as directed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to ensure the early recovery and rehabilitation of those affected,” Chua said.

Local government units provided the list and validated by DSWD personnel.

ECT is an unconditional cash grant that may be used by the beneficiary for any purpose that would aid in their day-to-day needs for the repair of their damaged house.

The DSWD expects to complete the ECT payout in Northern Samar before the end of February, according to Chua.

Cash aid is seen as an adaptive strategy for bridging the gaps between immediate disaster relief, humanitarian response and early recovery support through the provision of unconditional cash to victims of disasters and emergency situations requiring interventions.

The massive flooding last November has affected 609,870 people in 691 villages in Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.

Massive floods destroyed some 57 houses and partially damaged 249 others.

Northern Samar’s heavy floods were caused by an unprecedented 618 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, or an equivalent of nearly six weeks’ volume of rainfall in a single day.

The DSWD has yet to announce if there will be an ECT payout in other affected provinces. (PNA)