APD | Phanfone casualties continue to rise in the Philippines

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

The government-run National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 41 deaths associated with tropical cyclone “Phanfone” locally known as “Ursula” in four regions in Central Philippines.

In its latest bulletin released Sunday morning, NDRRMC said 28 were injured while 12 others remained missing. Nearly 400,000 families or more than 1.6 million persons have been affected from over 2,000 villages.

Nearly 100,000 persons are still housed in 529 evacuation centers with 38,000 others are staying with close relatives and other facilities. Over 36,000 homes were totally damaged while more than 299,000 residences were partially damaged and would require construction and building materials.

“Phanfone” damaged 372 schools were partially damaged by the howler and would require immediate repair and reconstruction to serve pupils and students who will return to regular classes after the Christmas/New Year break.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary William Dollente Dar said the preliminary damage reports on agriculture and fisheries amount to P750 million pesos or US$14.7 million.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)