The death toll due to torrential rains and floods in the Visayas and Mindanao regions has climbed to 25, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Wednesday, December 28.
The agency said of the 25 reported deaths, two were from Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and one from Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).
Still undergoing confirmation are reports of 22 fatalities – 16 in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), five in Region 5 (Bicol), and one in Region 9.
The number of missing persons stands at 26 – 12 have been confirmed: 11 in Region 8 and one in Region 9.
Still undergoing verification are reports of 14 missing persons – 12 in Region 5 and two in Region 10.
Those injured are at nine with one confirmed in Region 9 and eight undergoing validation in Region 10.
Affected families are estimated at 102,476, consisting of 393,069 persons residing in Mimaropa, Regions 5, 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8, 9, 10, 11 (Davao), Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Of this number, 20,723 families or 81,443 individuals are sheltered in 292 evacuations while the rest are being aided by relatives and friends.
About 1,196 houses were also reported damaged in Region 4-B (Mimaropa), Regions 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, Caraga, and the BARMM.
Agriculture damage was placed at PHP65,294,087 while damage to infrastructure was estimated at PHP20,870,000.
Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamis has earlier called for prayers and help for the people affected by floods in many parts of the southern Philippines, including his archdiocese.
“Let us continue to pray that more help will come to them,” Archbishop Jumoad said as the archdiocese’s Social Action Center started its relief operations.
“Let us also offer prayers that weather conditions improve,” he said.
