DENR deploys 30 chainsaw units to hasten clearing operationsin Nina-hit areas
MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has deployed 30 units of chainsaw to help speed up the clearing operations in areas devastated by Typhoon Nina on Christmas Day.
“This is to assist our local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Public Works and Highways in the clearing operations and in harnessing fallen trees cluttering in roads, which affected the delivery of relief assistance to affected communities,” said DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Isabelo Montejo.
Nina battered the Bicol region and parts of Southern Tagalog and Samar Island, leaving six people dead and a trail of destruction in its wake. It has been described as the strongest typhoon to strike the Bicol region in 10 years.
According to Montejo, the DENR regional directors in affected areas have been ordered to coordinate with the LGUs to facilitate the deployment of chainsaws, which were earlier confiscated by the DENR for lack of permit or registration.
“We are also now coordinating with other government agencies and non-government organization partners as we try to pull out all other resources of the department to facilitate other assistance we can provide,” Montejo added.
The DENR encouraged making use of the uprooted trees to build temporary shelters for typhoon survivors. It also promised to provide assistance to affected DENR employees.
Tall and big trees, including coconut, can be used to repair damaged buildings, houses and other structures.
Meanwhile, the DENR also directed the regional offices in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas to conduct damage assessment in planting sites under the National Greening Program for possible rehabilitation and replanting efforts. (PNA)
