Reported death toll due to bad weather now 44 —NDRRMC

There are now 44 reported fatalities due to the bad weather felt in many parts of the country since the start of the year, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Wednesday.

In its 6 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said 14 of the reported deaths were in Bicol, 12 in Zamboanga, eight in Northern Mindanao, seven in Eastern Visayas, and one each in Mimaropa, Davao and Soccsksargen.

Only 20 of the reported fatalities have been confirmed so far, according to the NDRRMC.

Meanwhile, eight people were reported missing and 11 were reported injured due to the impact of the inclement weather, which was caused by low pressure areas, shear line, and the northeast monsoon.

The NDRRMC said 2,047,222 persons or 497,774 families were affected by the bad weather in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Of the affected population, 7,189 people or 1,741 families were staying in 74 evacuation centers, the NDRRMC said.

A total of 1,888 houses were reported damaged — 1,325 partially and 563 totally — the NDRRMC also said.

Damage to agriculture worth P1,059,352,780 and to infrastructure worth P521,914,324 were also reported. The National Irrigation Administration reported P25,939,969 worth of damage.

A state of calamity was declared in 86 cities and municipalities.

Assistance worth P114,473,053 was provided to the victims, according to the NDRRMC. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News