Metro Manila, MMDA to give P100 million in funds to Odette-hit LGUs

The mayors of Metro Manila have agreed to transfer the P100 million savings from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to local governments affected by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement on Monday, the MMDA said the Metro Manila Council (MMC) through a resolution will release the funds to help the victims of the typhoon.

"We are going to prioritize local government units stricken by tropical cyclone wind signal number 4 of Typhoon Odette,” MMDA chairperson Benhur Abalos said.

"This financial aid will help especially in these trying times. It's Christmas after all, a time of sharing and giving," Abalos added.

The death toll from Odette climbed to 211 on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police.

In its update, the PNP said 129 fatalities were reported in the Central Visayas, 41 in Caraga, 24 Western Visayas, 10 in Northern Mindanao, six Eastern Visayas, and one in Zamboanga.

The PNP added that a total of 239 people were injured, with 52 missing.

A total of 442,424 people were displaced while 385,086 individuals were preemptively evacuated, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

A total of 997,665 people or 276,522 families in 2,961 barangays were affected by the typhoon, it added.

Around 2,435 evacuation centers were opened for the victims.

The NDRRMC said 3,803 homes and 16 infrastructures were damaged due to Odette. A total of P225,170,000 worth of infrastructure damage was reported.

Damage to agriculture worth P118,284,774 includes 5,391 hectares of crops as well as 15 livestock and poultry. — BM, GMA News