The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to aid residents, particularly farmers, in Bohol towns severely affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

Since the relief operations started, 22,771 people in 24 towns have been given rice, canned goods, noodles and also water by the DSWD.

Not only farmers have been severely affected by the lingering drought, but also fishermen, officials said.

According to Papiasa Bustrillos of the DSWD Bohol field office, the El Nino phenomenon did not only cause millions worth of damages in agriculture, but also affected the multi-million seaweed industry which is the primary source of income of many residents in island barangays and in areas in the southern part of the province.

The DSWD continues to gather data from other barangays to further assess the total damage caused by the calamity.

The department also advised affected residents who still need aid to approach officials from the Municipal Agricultures Office and the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office.

Officials of the department also urged mayors to verify if there are still residents in their towns who need assistance so they may offer aid. (with reports from Allen Doydora and Rey Tutas)