‘Igme’ death toll: 23

The number of casualties of typhoon "Igme" rose yesterday to 23, while the damage to crops and infrastructure in Northern Luzon and Central Mindanao was placed at P545 million, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said yesterday.

Hardest-hit by "Igme" were the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo approved the release of P100 million in relief aid and pledged a P100-million restructuring loan package for Cagayan farmers affected by the typhoon, during her visit to the province yesterday.

‘Igme" heavily battered at least 11 Cagayan towns, with Baggao and Santa Ana the worst-hit. — Christina Mendez, Lito Salatan and Marichu Villanueva