140K individuals in Visayas, Mindanao affected by onslaught of Agaton

At least 140,000 individuals were affected as several towns were flooded and rivers overflowed in the Visayas and Mindanao as a result of the onslaught of Tropical Depression Agaton.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 20 fatalities, six injured residents, and one missing as of Tuesday, April 12.

At least 95, 741 families were affected and 17,070 remain in evacuation centers. With these figures, about 140,000 individuals were affected by the tropical depression.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard conducted rescue operations for stranded children and senior citizens in deep flooded areas in parts of Iloilo, Capiz, and Leyte.

In Aklan, farmers decided to help each other to save and harvest their crops.

The tropical depression also battered several areas in Cotabato and Maguindanao.

The weather bureau PAGASA placed eight areas under Signal No. 1 late Tuesday afternoon as Agaton remained almost stationary over Llorente, Eastern Samar.

Agaton is forecast to continue moving slowly eastward within the next six to 12 hours before turning more east southeastward towards the Philippine Sea beginning tonight or tomorrow morning. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News