At least three people were reported killed and thousands were displaced after heavy rains caused widespread flooding in several areas of the southern Philippines this weekend.
The weather bureau reported that tropical depression “Vicky” made landfall in Davao Oriental province on Dec. 18, bringing with it heavy rains that caused the flooding.
Residents said the rain, which lasted for more 12 hours, was comparable to the 2014 onslaught of tropical storm Seniang (international name: Jangmi).
The weather disturbance also resulted in strong waves in the central Philippines, destroying a coastal village in the city of Lapu-Lapu. A landslide was also reported in Leyte province that killed three people.
Bishop Antonieto Cabajog of Surigao said the weather disturbance affected several parishes in the region.
The prelate expressed his sympathies to the affected communities and called for prayers.
The weather bureau said that as of noon on Sunday, Dec. 20, tropical depression “Vicky” accelerated as it was about to exit the “Philippine area of responsibility.”
Strong breeze to near gale conditions will however continue to be experienced in some parts of the main island of Luzon.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said more than 105 million-peso worth of damage was reported in Caraga region in Mindanao.
At least 6,702 people or 1,950 families from 57 villages in Davao and Caraga Region were affected by the impact of the weather disturbance.
Of the number, 5,464 persons or 1,328 families were staying in 58 evacuation centers, while 54 families or 275 people took shelter in other places.
At least 26 incidents of landslides and flooding were monitored in Caraga Region while in Cebu, 83 houses were damaged.
