Vicky death toll climbs to 8

MANILA, Philippines — The number of fatalities in the onslaught of Tropical Depression Vicky, which submerged several areas in Mindanao, has increased to eight, authorities reported yesterday.

Search and rescue operation is ongoing for a missing person, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

The fatalities were either victims of drowning or landslides and other storm-related incidents that occurred in Caraga, Davao region and Eastern Visayas.

At least two persons were confirmed injured and verification for other reported injuries is ongoing, according to NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal.

Reports said that as of yesterday, there were 88 houses destroyed by Vicky in Central Visayas, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu as well as in Surigao del Sur in Caraga region.

The NDRRMC estimated the amount of damage to infrastructure including roads and flood control projects at P110.4 million in Bicol and Caraga.

Regional field offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in storm-hit areas are coordinating with local government units for the distribution of relief assistance for affected families. The DSWD gave assurance it would augment the resources of affected LGUs and assist them in their disaster-response operations throughout the Christmas holidays.

As of Sunday, the DSWD disaster response and management bureau reported that there were 8,924 displaced families composed of 36,030 individuals in Central and Eastern Visayas as well as in Davao region and Caraga.

The DSWD said it has more than P775 million worth of standby funds and stockpile of relief supplies as of yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said no tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country until Christmas Day. – Louise Maureen Simeon, Rainier Allan Ronda, Helen Flores