DPWH to begin construction of new Evacuation Center in Ormoc City.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to begin construction of a P36-million Evacuation Center as a temporary shelter for families displaced by the calamity in Ormoc City, Leyte.

A groundbreaking ceremony led by DPWH Leyte Fourth District Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez and Assistant District Engineer Irwin L. Antonio with Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Gomez marked the beginning of the project that will be built at Barangay Danhug, Ormoc City.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, Engr. Gonzalez said that the project involves the construction of a two-story accommodation building with a separate male and female toilet and bathroom building and an infirmary building.

Danhug Barangay Captain Jeovane Codog said he considers it an honor for the barangay to host the evacuation center.

The evacuation center will also be completed with other facilities to aid evacuees in the occurrence of calamities.

It is expected to benefit the people of Ormoc especially those living in areas of the city prone to flooding.

Ormoc has been prone to disasters. On November 5, 1991, the city was devastated by a flash flood that claimed more than 8,000 lives. On July 4, 2017, it was struck by a strong earthquake that forced the evacuation of residents from mountain barangays to the city proper.

At the height of Storm Urduja, residents from low-lying areas in the city were evacuated because of flooding.

Actual civil works for the construction of Ormoc City Evacuation Center is expected to begin before the end of January 2018.