“Sendong” death toll reaches 616 while 555 still missing

MANILA, Philippines—The death toll due to Tropical Storm “Sendong” (international name: Washi) in Cagayan de Oro has exceeded 600 while hundreds remain missing, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

In a text message, 4th Infantry Division spokesman Major Eugenio Julio Osias IV said that as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the number of dead bodies recovered in Cagayan de Oro has reached 616 while 555 persons are still missing.

Osias said the statistics was from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

He added that authorities in Cagayan de Oro have shifted to relief and rehabilitation operations.

Local authorities said 4,821 houses were totally washed out while 6,623 were partially damaged.

In Cagayan de Oro City, about 23,456 families were affected in 36 villages.