MANILA, Philippines – The number of those who died due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine reached 13 as of 8 am on Friday, October 25, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
They were among the 2.6 million Filipinos, or over 569,000 families, impacted by the tropical cyclone across 15 regions and 59 provinces.
Over 319,000 were displaced, roughly a quarter of which did not go to evacuation centers.
The number of people killed increased by one since the NDRRMC’s report on the evening of Thursday, October 24. However, the figure is likely higher, since Brigadier General Andre Dizon, director of the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5), earlier reported that at least 20 so far had died.
Some 334 areas remain flooded in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
At least 1,402 houses were damaged, as well as 13 infrastructure components like flood control projects, roads, and schools. The damage to infrastructure is estimated at P15.25 million.
Meanwhile, at least 234 farmers and fisherfolks’ livelihoods were affected, and 208.55 hectares of crops were damaged. The estimated cost of damage to Philippine agriculture is so far pegged at P9.7 million.
Among ports, mostly seaports were hit the hardest, with 90 seaports and two airports affected. While eight seaports were restored, around 7,500 passengers are still stranded.
Most communities whose power and water supplies were affected have yet to recover it, with 41% power supply restored, and 29% water supply restored. At least 31 cities and municipalities experienced damage to communication lines, and none have been restored so far.
In Luzon, Malacañang suspended classes at all levels and government work on Friday, except for agencies conducting essential and relief operations. – Rappler.com