Official 'Sendong' body count 1,249 not 1,453 — NDRRMC

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday the official body count of the victims from tropical storm "Sendong" (international name: Washi) is 1,249 not 1,453 as it reported earlier.    In its 6:00 a.m. update on Wednesday, the NDRRMC said the tally was based on the actual count of the regional disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned.   "The NDRRMC tally on dead casualties refers to the actual 'head count' (existence of a dead body) regardless of identification/anonymity for operational/strategic purposes whereas the (Department of Health) only counts bodies with established identity and/or with death certificates," the NDRRMC said.    On the other hand, the NDRRMC said at least 84 missing people had been identified so far.   It added that "Sendong" has so far affected 113,411 families (or 720,860 people) in 789 villages in 13 provinces.   Of these, 11,301 families (or 54,473 people) are in 53 evacuation centers.   The estimated damage to property remained at P1,143,671,975, including P1,106,556,000 in infrastructure and P37,115,975 in agriculture.   At least 12,817 houses were destroyed while 29,524 were damaged.   Makati to remember Sendong victims   Meanwhile, Makati City will remember victims of "Sendong" in its New Year countdown this Saturday.   The city government encouraged visitors taking part in the countdown to give donations to the victims, radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported.   The report said donation booths will be set up at Ayala Triangle, where the countdown will be held. - VVP, GMA News