Deaths from typhoons, monsoon rise to 26 – NDRRMC

MANILA, Philippines, September 29 ------ The death toll from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, Super Typhoon Nando, Tropical Depression Mirasol and southwest monsoon has risen to 26, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Most of the reported deaths were in Cagayan Valley and Bicol Region. In its report, the NDRRMC said nine people died in Bicol, eight in Cagayan Valley, four in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), two each in Central Luzon and Central Visayas, and one in Eastern Visayas (Region 8). Of the reported deaths, 22 are for validation, while four, who were victims of landslide in CAR have already been confirmed.

The recent weather disturbances left 33 people injured and 14 others missing. A total of 738,714 families or 2,797,706 people were affected by the weather disturbances. Of those affected, 46,611 families, or 163,317 people were sheltered in 2,680 evacuation centers, while 31,448 families of 118,957 people are being assessed outside evacuation centers. The estimated damage to agriculture is P1.007 billion while infrastructure damage is estimated at P864,109,901.08 in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, CAR, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western and Central Visayas.

Masbate devastated

Masbate was the most devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (Bualoi) and has been placed under a state of calamity. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing its humanitarian teams in Masbate and other provinces devastated by Opong. Around P1.4 million worth of medicines and other medical supplies were deployed to Masbate and other typhoon-ravaged areas.

Department of Health (DOH)-Bicol Center for Health Development reported that medicines, surgical masks, hygiene kits and other health commodities were brought to typhoon-affected areas, including Masbate. Aside from medical supplies, 15 Doctors to the Barrios and 199 nurses and 24 other health workers were also deployed to Masbate. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the immediate repair of Masbate Airport after Opong caused up to P15 million worth of damage to its passenger terminal.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, who inspected the facility on Saturday, directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to set up a makeshift terminal while rehabilitation is underway. He also instructed CAAP to conduct emergency procurement of construction materials to expedite the restoration. Airport operations have been suspended since Thursday night after Opong damaged the terminal building.

Lopez emphasized the need for airports and ports to adopt typhoon-resilient designs. Lopez also visited Masbate Port, which sustained minor damage. He instructed port authorities to procure additional air-to-water converters to ensure a steady supply of potable water during emergencies. President Marcos earlier directed the DOTr to ensure passenger safety and guarantee the availability of food and water in transport hubs affected by calamities.

Source: philstar.com