By Alec Go
Three individuals reportedly died while four others were injured during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Florita, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, Aug. 25.
In its latest report, the NDRRMC said Region 2 and Cordillera Administrative Region had one confirmed casualty each, while one has yet to be validated in Region 5.
Three of the reported injured individuals are from Region 2 while one was reported in Region 5.
As of Aug. 25, a total of 11,953 families or 47,169 individuals have been affected across five regions, 15 provinces, 96 towns, and 392 barangays.
A total of 10,355 individuals were displaced and 1,013 were preemptively evacuated.
Meanwhile, 44 road sections and 14 bridges were affected, as well as 15 seaports. There were two reported flights canceled.
Power has been restored in 25 towns of the total 46 that experienced power interruptions and one area had water supply affected.
The Department of Agriculture – DRRM Operations Center said the agricultural damages in Ilocos Norte has been estimated at P3.01 million “affecting 310 farmers, with volume of production loss at 220 metric tons and 628 hectares of agricultural areas.”
“Affected commodities include rice and high value crops. These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by Florita,” it stated.
At least 30 houses were damaged. The government has yet to release the estimated cost of damage on infrastructures.
To date, 422 cities and municipalities declared suspension of classes and 169 had work suspensions.
The amount of assistance released stands at P4.8 million. – gb
