25 reported dead, 26 missing due to Visayas, Mindanao flooding —NDRRMC

The number of reported fatalities due to flooding cause by rains in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao since the Christmas weekend rose to 25,  the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said Wednesday.

In its 6 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said 16 deaths were reported in Northern Mindanao, five in Bicol, two in Eastern Visayas, and two in Zamboanga.

Only three of the reported fatalities have been validated so far.

A total of 26 individuals were reported missing including 12 in Bicol, 11 in Eastern Visayas, two in Northern Mindanao, and one in Zamboanga.

At least nine people were also reported injured, according to the NDRRMC.

A total of 393,069 people or 102,476 families were affected by the bad weather  in 721 barangays in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Caraga, and Bangsamoro.

Of the affected population, 81,443 persons or 20,723 families were staying inside 292 evacuation centers, while 65,643 individuals or 13,745 families were taking shelter in other places.

At least 1,196 houses were reported damaged — 909 partially and 287 totally damaged.

Damage to agriculture worth P63,874,087 and to infrastructure worth P20,870,000 were reported. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) also reported P2,050,000 worth of damage.

Of the 63 cities and municipalities that experienced power outages, 43 had their power restored. The water supply in three of the six areas affected by interruptions have also been restored.

At least 11 seaports were still not operational. A total of 765 passengers, 13 rolling cargoes, and a vessel were stranded.

Meanwhile, 67 classes and work schedules have been suspended due to the impact of the bad weather.

A state of calamity has been declared in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental and Llorente, Eastern Samar, according to the NDRRMC.

Assistance worth P6,668,304 has been provided for the victims.

Several areas in Visayas and Mindanao were flooded on Christmas Day on Sunday due to the effects of the shear line, the weather system formed by the meeting between a cold front and a warmer front.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said a low pressure area located east of Surigao del Sur will bring rain showers over Palawan, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao Region on Wednesday. —KG, GMA Integrated News