‘Usman’ death toll rises to 45 in Bicol region

MANILA, Philippines — The fatalities due to landslides and flooding triggered by the heavy downpour of Tropical Depression “Usman” rose to 45 in the Bicol region on Sunday.

As of 5 p.m., the Bicol region police have recorded 16 deaths in Camarines Sur, the highest among the Bicol provinces.

Thirteen were also reported dead in Albay, seven in Masbate, six in Sorsogon, and three in Camarines Norte.

Eleven people are still missing, including seven victims of a landslide last Saturday in Tiwi town, Albay, police said.Another 11 were also injured due to landslides and flooding.

Search and retrieval operations are still ongoing to find the missing persons, according to Chief Inspector Malu Calubaquib, spokeswoman of the Bicol Region police. /ee