Death toll in Visayas, Mindanao floods rises to 8

MANILA, Philippines –  The death toll from the low pressure area that brought heavy rains in Visayas and Mindanao has risen to eight as disaster management teams continue to conduct relief operations in affected provinces. 

In a report released 8 a.m. yesterday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said fresh fatalities were recorded in Misamis Oriental and Compostela Valley.

NDRRMC said a certain Christopher Laraga, 20, and Alger Jorge Boholano, 42, died of drowning in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. A child identified as Rocel Antipuesto of Maco, Compostela Valley drowned after crossing the Hijo River. 

A separate report by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Caraga showed that there are three new deaths in the region. 

Blanche Gobenciong, OCD regional director in Caraga, said a certain Carlito Benocilla, 26, and Raymund Bonotan, 25, both of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte were buried alive due to a landslide. A certain Ricarte Ganzan, 70 of Tubay, Agusan del Norte, died of drowning.

On Wednesday, the NDRRMC reported that a certain Reyam Bahan, seven, of Tubay, Agusan del Norte, had drowned. 

NDRRMC said a total of 62,302 families or 309,779 persons were affected in 429 barangays in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and ARMM regions. The affected population includes those who were displaced or those who lost their livelihood due to the massive floods. 

NDRRMC said 8,633 families or 44,418 persons have been brought to 33 evacuation centers.

A total of 112 houses in Caraga and ARMM regions have been damaged by the floods and landslides. 

The lack of access to clean water has resulted in the outbreak of diseases in some of the affected areas. NDRRMC said 81 diarrhea cases were reported in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. Those suffering from diarrhea are now being treated in local hospitals.

Meanwhile, troops from the Army’s 4th Infantry Division conducted search and rescue operations in Caraga that were hit by heavy rains and floods. 

Maj. Eugenio Osias IV, spokesman of the 4th ID, said the 403rd Infantry Brigade helped around 100 families in Las Nievas, Agusan del Sur vacate their homes and move to the evacuation center. 

Osias said soldiers of the 58th Infantry Battalion assisted 100 residents in Gingoog City proceed to evacuation areas located at Sta. Rita Elementary School and Santiago barangay hall.