NDRRMC: 'Sendong' death toll nears 700

The death toll from Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) neared 700 Monday afternoon, even as authorities admitted losing track of the number of people still missing in the wake of the storm.

 

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Benito Ramos said the number of fatalities reached 684 as of 3:30 p.m.  

 

"Sa kabuuan 684 ang casualties na patay," Ramos said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He did not say where the latest fatalities were located. The NDRRMC's death toll as of Monday noon stood at 632.

 

With the figure, the NDRRMC count surpassed the figures of the Philippine Red Cross, which stood at 652 as of Sunday evening.

 

Office of Civil Defense Region 10 head Ana Cañedan said most of the fatalities (632) were from Region 10.

 

"Dumarami ang nare-recover na bodies (The number of bodies recovered is increasing)," Cañedan said in a separate interview.

 

Many of the bodies found were already decomposing, she added.

 

Of the 632, she said 336 were from Cagayan de Oro City; 279 from Iligan City; and 17 from Bukidnon.

 

Ramos also said they have lost count of the number of missing people. Earlier, he said they are still reconciling reports on the number of missing people.

 

"We lost count of how many are missing," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Ramos called for food, clothing and blankets.

 

He said this will be for people now staying in temporary shelters. — RSJ, GMA News