3 provinces in Usman-hit Bicol under state of calamity

At least three provinces in the Bicol region have declared state of calamity due to the effects of Tropical Depression Usman.

The provinces of Camarines Sur and Sorsogon had each declared a state of calamity, with the municipalities of Polangui and Bulan in Albay having made their declarations earlier.

Meanwhile, a report on Unang Balita on Monday morning said Albay had declared a state of calamity Sunday night.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, 50 people were reported to have been killed due to Usman as of 5 p.m. on Sunday — 15 in Albay, six in Sorsogon, 16 in Camarines Sur, six in Camarines Norte, and seven in Masbate.

Most were victims of landslides and drowning.

Eleven people were reported injured while 11 others are missing.

Thousands of passengers were also stranded at seaports, airports and bus terminals as dozens of inter-island trips were cancelled.

Usman, which was downgraded to a low pressure area upon landfall, left the Philippines on Sunday afternoon.

About 20 tropical cyclones hit the Philippines every year. —with Reuters/KBK, GMA News