After 3 months, Yolanda death toll continues to increase

CEBU, Philippines - Almost three months after typhoon Yolanda flattened towns and cities in the Visayas, bodies continued to be found in Tacloban City.

A report by GMA-7 News Monday night said among the recent bodies found in Tacloban were those of a woman and a child.

The report said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has left behind body bags and face masks at barangay halls in Yolanda-affected areas for bodies found and reported by residents.

It added that the BFP expects an increase in the death toll as the clearing operation of the debris left behind by the disaster in the affected areas continues. The report noted that, as of February, the death toll in Tacloban has reached 2,500.

In its latest update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that, as of January 29, the death toll from Yolanda has reached 6,201, while 28,626 were injured with 1,785 others still missing.

Meanwhile, a mass grave is still ongoing at Barangay Suhi in Tacloban, the report said, adding that at least 1,000 bodies have been buried there.

Earlier, the World Health Organization cautioned the country’s Department of Health against mass burials, citing “Management of Dead Bodies in Disaster Situations” manual stating that immediate mass burials without proper identification may violate some rights.

Unable to bear the stench and sight of unclaimed cadavers in the streets, and fearful of possible health hazards, however, local officials have begun burying them in mass graves. — (FREEMAN)