NDRRMC: 'Sendong' dead and missing now at 601, over 106,000 people affected

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday morning that its Tropical Storm “Sendong” casualty toll stands at 601—with 327 dead while 274 are listed as missing. The storm affected at least 106,476 persons or 19,234 families. Rescuers saved 431 while there are nearly 5,000 passngers stranded in various ports across Mindanao and the Visayas. "Sendong" has crossed Palawan and is on its way out of the country and should be beyond the Philippine area of responsibility by early evening of Sunday.   Authorities placed Dumaguete City and the Municipality of Valencia in Negros Oriental under state of calamity.   Massive flooding was reported all over Northern Mindanao (Region X) because of the overflow of the Mandulog and Agus river systems. Hardest hit were Cagayan de oro City, Ozamiz City, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Valencia City in Bukidnon, and Iligan City in Lanao del Norte.   Landslides also occurred in Compostela Valley, site of past incidents of mining operation landslides and cave-ins. There was also flooding in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.   Flooding was also reported in the towns of Sigma and Panitan in Capiz province, as well as in Dumaguete City and the towns of Sibulan and Valencia in Negros Oriental.   The “Ever Transport Cargo” ship sank while it was anchored at Barangay Calindagan in Dumaguete City. The ship is owned by Kheri Lines and had a cargo load of Asia Brewery products when it sank, according to a report sent to the NDRRMC. A “Bantay Dagat” pump boat also sank while docked at Lazi Port.   Cagayan de Oro City has been without electric power since Friday evening of Dec. 16. Power service to 70 percent of Negros Oriental was also interrupted.   Tandag City and 12 towns in Agusan del Sur also have no electric power.   The NDRRMC lists 14 canceled domestic flights to and from the Sendong-affected areas. — ELR, GMA News