Davao flood death toll rises to 6

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from floods in Davao has risen to six, an official said yesterday.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos said three other drowning victims were reported in Compostela Valley and Oriental Mindoro.

The fatalities were identified as Lord Anthony Gallarde, 1, Herbert Solidum and Danny Nuñez.

Six persons were also reported injured in Kapalong, Davao del Norte while four others remain missing in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

The Davao City council has approved the release of P53.5 million from its calamity fund after 15 of its barangays were placed under a state of calamity due to the flooding.

The city council declared Barangays Maa, Tigatto, Calinan Mandug, Waan, Lasang, 19B,5A, 8A, 9, 10, 1A, 2A, 74A, 76A  under a state of calamity due to widespread damage to livelihood, property and agriculture after Lasang, Davao, Lipadas and Talomo rivers overflowed over the weekend. The floods affected more than 15,000 families.

A state of emergency was declared in Davao del Norte where seven towns were also submerged in floodwaters. – Alexis Romero, Edith Regalado