1.12 million affected by floods, landslides in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — The number of people affected by massive flooding and landslides caused by the trough of a low-pressure area in Davao and Caraga has ballooned to more than one million.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 1.12 million people were affected as of yesterday.

The NDRRMC said it was verifying reports that the number of fatalities has increased to 18, with 11 injured and three missing.

At least 25,477 families or 97,603 people remained in 380 evacuation centers.

Caritas Philippines appealed for food packs, sleeping kits and other donations for affected families.

“The Philippines has been hit by massive flooding in recent weeks, and the people of Mindanao are in desperate need of help,” Caritas Philippines said in a post on its official Facebook page on Monday.

It appealed for food packs, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, kitchenware and emergency shelter kits.

“Even a small donation can make a big difference in the lives of those affected by the floods,” it added.

Caritas Philippines posted the bank account numbers where people can send their cash donations.

Questions regarding the donation can be coursed through humanitarian program head Jeanie Curiano at 09778238105 or at [email protected], resource mobilization head Analyn Julian at 09166945278 or through email addresses [email protected] or [email protected].

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it is looking at long-term solutions to flooding in Davao and other flood-prone areas in the country.

OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said these may include revisiting and formulating new policies and plans covering major river basins, strict implementation of environmental protection measures, improvement of flood-control projects and other engineering interventions as well as permanent relocation of vulnerable communities.

The NDRRMC operations center is still on blue alert as response and coordination activities in Davao and Caraga continue.