3 PROVINCES UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY

OCD: Death toll in Bicol region now at 50

The death toll in the Bicol region linked to the onslaught of Tropical Depression Usman has risen to 50, according to the latest update of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday.

As of 5 p.m., fifteen fatalities were reported in Albay, six in Sorsogon, sixteen in Camarines Sur, six in Camarines Norte, and seven in Masbate.

Most were victims of landslides and drowning.

Eleven people were reported injured while 11 others are missing.

According to the OCD, Usman affected 266 barangays in the Bicol region and 2,473 families or 7,470 individuals are staying in 35 evacuation centers.

The cost of agricultural damages in the region was pegged at more than P2.3 million so far.

The provinces of Camarines Sur and Sorsogon had each declared a state of calamity, with the municipalities of Polangui and Bulan in Albay having made their declarations earlier.

Meanwhile, GMA 7 morning news program "Unang Balita" reported that Albay had declared a state of calamity Sunday night.

Some flights to Naga City Airport in Camarines Sur and Legazpi City Airport in Albay were also canceled on Sunday.

Tropical Depression Usman weakened into a low-pressure area before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility around 11 a.m. on Sunday. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News