NEARLY P55 million worth of agriculture products were damaged in Western Visayas and Soccsksargen due to the onslaught of Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
The NDRRMC said 533 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by Paeng in the said region.
It said 714 houses in Bicol region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga and Bangsamoro region with an estimated cost of P38,950,000 were damaged.
Paeng dumped rains over several provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao since Friday, October 28, which resulted in massive floodings.
The NDRRMC said a total of 932,077 persons or 277,383 families in 2,445 barangays were affected by the bad weather, in which over 168,000 persons or more than 44,800 families were in evacuation centers, particularly in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga.
The government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development ensures the continuous provision of assistance to the affected population.
The NDRRMC said P5,011,690 worth of assistance including hygiene kits, family food packs, food, hot meals and financial aid for distressed individuals were distributed.
The disaster bureau said 48 individuals were reported dead due to the effects of Paeng, 40 were injured and 22 were still missing.
It said a total of 7,782 passengers in various ports in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and National Capital Region were stranded due to Paeng.
A total of 143 domestic and 20 international flights were also canceled. The NDRRMC said airport operations have resumed.
The NDRRMC said a total of 379 areas in the affected regions were flooded while 60 landslide incidents were recorded.
The agency said 147 roads and 53 bridges were reported not passable due to flooding or fallen debris.
Over 90 areas have experienced power interruptions.
Clearing operations that are led by the Department of Public Works and Highways with the assistance of the local government units are ongoing.
During a situational briefing with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday, October 29, NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Raymundo Ferrer recommended a declaration of a national state of calamity for a period of one year, unless earlier lifted, due to Paeng.
A state of calamity will enable the government to allocate additional funds for disaster relief and impose a price freeze on basic commodities.
Marcos in response said he will wait for the formal resolution regarding the recommendation of the agency. (SunStar Philippines)