Over 200,000 affected as 'Paolo' exits PAR

MANILA, Philippines — More than 200,000 individuals were affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday, October 5.

As of 8 a.m. on Sunday, Paolo, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday, was estimated to be 1,060 kilometers north of extreme Northern Luzon, moving west-northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour.

The NDRRMC said 225,557 individuals, or 70,575 families, were affected by Paolo in 22 provinces and 135 cities/municipalities. 

A total of 6,505 individuals were pre-emptively evacuated in Regions 1, 2 and 3. There are also 20,549 individuals evacuated, with 8,586 outside evacuation centers and 11,964 inside evacuation centers. 

There are no deaths or injuries recorded as of writing. 

A total of 98 areas in Region 1, 3 and Region IV-A were also flooded. There are also 13 partially damaged houses. 

Damaged infrastructure. Ninety-eight road sections were affected due to the inclement weather, while 34 bridges were also affected. 

Sixteen seaports were also affected, with 176 passengers, 37 Rolling Cargoes, 32 Vessels, and 7 motobancas currently stranded.

The total estimated cost of assistance provided to affected families, LGUs, and regional agencies reached P1,718,352.10, comprising P389,566.10 allocated to families and P1,328,786 given to local government units and regional agencies.