The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Thursday activated its local shelter cluster teams in regions affected by super typhoon "Goring" and severe tropical storm "Hanna."

Upon the directive of DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Undersecretary Randy Escolango, Undersecretary for Disaster Response, issued a Memorandum affecting the activation of DHSUD's shelter cluster teams in the affected regions.

Regional Directors in areas along the path of "Goring" and "Hanna" were instructed to be on alert for possible emergency response.

"All concerned DHSUD Regional Offices are directed to activate your respective Shelter Clusters to closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction and facilitate emergency response and humanitarian assistance as needed," Undersecretary Escolango stated.

He stressed that the activation of the teams was a proactive measure to ensure the readiness of the concerned Regional Offices for any eventuality and to assist affected residents, particularly those whose residences have been damaged.

During calamities, DHSUD local shelter teams are closely working with the Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and other concerned government agencies to harmonize efforts in providing assistance to affected families, especially those who were displaced.