Reported death toll due to Agaton rises to 167 — NDRRMC

The reported death toll following the onslaught of Tropical Depression Agaton rose to 167 as of Saturday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its 8 a.m. situational report, the NDRRMC said the majority or 151 of the reported fatalities were from Eastern Visayas, 11 from Western Visayas, three from Davao Region, and two from Central Visayas. 

The agency likewise said that 110 were reported missing and eight were injured.

So far, only 12 deaths, six injured, and six missing have been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said 2,898 individuals were rescued from floods and landslides in the Visayas, while 80 people were retrieved during the search, rescue, and retrieval operations in Central and Eastern Visayas.

Police personnel also conducted relief operations that benefited 1,100 calamity victims.

According to the NDRRMC, a total of 1,939,514 persons or 562,548 families were affected by Agaton in 2,424 barangays in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro.

A total of 209,162 people or 59,999 families were displaced and sought shelter in 959 evacuation centers while 139,197 persons or 100,921 displaced families are staying elsewhere.

Also, a total of 10,364 houses were damaged — 9,700 partially and 664 totally — in Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and Caraga.

Damage to infrastructure amounted to P6,950,000 in regions 6, 7, 10, and BARMM.

At least 69 roads and nine bridges were rendered impassable.

Damage to agriculture amounted to P242,239,927.31, according to the NDRRMC. This is lower than the Department of Agriculture’s estimate of P703.3 million.

A total of 76 cities and municipalities experienced power interruption or outage, of which, power supply in 12 were already restored.

Three areas experienced water supply interruptions.

Forty-one ports suspended trips or have implemented suspension of operations, of which, six have already resumed operations in Regions 5 and 7.

A total of 8,437 passengers; 2,473 rolling cargoes; 14 vessels; and a motor banca remained stranded in some affected regions.

The NDRRMC also reported that 192 classes and 139 work schedules have been canceled due to the tropical depression.

A total of 16 cities and municipalities declared a state of calamity, including Sara and Lemery in Iloilo, Cateel in Davao Oriental, Trento in Agusan del Sur, and the entire province of Davao de Oro.

The disaster response agency said a total of P48,536,845.18 worth of assistance have been provided to affected regions.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Good Friday went to Leyte to inspect areas hit by Agaton.

Duterte landed at the Ormoc City airport before going on an aerial inspection of Baybay City which was hit by several landslides due to heavy rains brought by the weather disturbance.

He also presided over a situation briefing with officials from different government agencies and local government units to assess the casualties and damage Agaton caused. —with a report from Richa Noriega/KG/VBL, GMA News