P409 million needed to repair flood-damaged schools

MANILA, Philippines — Up to P409 million will be needed to repair 42 public schools in Mindanao which were damaged by floods caused by heavy rain during the holiday season.

Latest data showed that 30 schools in Northern Mindanao, 11 in Caraga and one in Zamboanga peninsula were affected by rain caused by the shear line or the meeting of hot and cold air and a low-pressure area.

Seven schools were still being used as evacuation centers as of yesterday.

Families displaced by flooding remain in a school in Siargao island, another in Surigao del Norte and five in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental.

The Department of Education allows schools to be used as evacuation centers for a maximum of 15 days to minimize disruption of classes.

As of yesterday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 23,356 people or 6,635 families were staying in 163 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC said 5,152 houses were affected, 910 of which were destroyed.

Most of the displaced residents are from Caraga.