Karding death toll hits 11; 6 missing

MANILA, Philippines — The reported deaths due to Super Typhoon Karding rose to 11 yesterday while six other persons remained missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said six of the fatalities, including five rescuers, drowned and were from Bulacan.

A person was also confirmed dead due to drowning in Zambales while another died in a landslide in Burdeos, Quezon.

The NDRRMC said three of the fatalities are still being validated.

Of the six persons reported missing, one is from Antipolo and five are fishermen from Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

Latest reports showed that 176,337 families or 640,963 people in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa  were affected by the typhoon.

Up to 18,110 houses were damaged and 2,518 destroyed.

A total of 23,151 families were preemptively evacuated.

Thirty-five towns and cities were declared under a state of calamity to ensure the release of quick response funds to assist those affected by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, in Ilocos Norte, a fisherman was found floating off the coast of Barangay Davila in Pasuquin yesterday.

Elviro Agoo, chairman of Barangay Davila, identified the victim as John Mike Ranada, 34, a resident of Laoag City.

Ranada reportedly went fishing despite the bad weather and rough seas on Wednesday.

Search and rescue operations were conducted after Ranada’s boat was found drifting.

Authorities warned fishermen in Ilocos Norte not to venture out to sea due to inclement weather.– Jun Elias