Death toll in Davao City flashflood reaches 25

DAVAO City, Philippines—Twenty-five bodies have so far been recovered by soldiers in the wake of a flashflood that swept through the city on Tuesday night.

The civil-military operations unit of the 10th Infantry Division, quoting the city’s social services and development office, said the number of bodies recovered had reached 25, and that 15 others remained missing as of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Fifteen of the fatalities were taken to the Collado Funeral Homes. They are Adora Baricuatro, 26; Jaime Bawo, 41; Conchita Bawo, 43; Antonio Inciso, 77; baby boy Chris Alvarez; Alexis Baricuatro, 4; Alexandria Baricuatro, 7; Beth Amatos 7; Catherine Valderosa, a child; John Michael Alvarez, 7; John Carlo Alvarez, 3; Kenneth Ian Ayag, 4; Jason Saturos, 2; Cassandra Supa, 2; and Carl Andrei Olivares, 9 months.

Taken to the Angel Funeral Homes were Jovito Munsad, 51; Vicenta Ladaga, 50; Rowena Valderosa, a child; Lydia Valderosa, mother; Tito Servidad, an adult male; Melchin Sorenio, 3; and Angelita Paches, 65.

Three of the bodies—a boy, girl and an adult female—remain unidentified.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who went to the affected areas at dawn Wednesday, said the displaced residents needed food, clothing and temporary shelter.

He said the city government was set to declare a state of calamity.

The affected barangays or communities were Matina Pangi, Matina Aplaya and Bangkal—all in the  Talomo District.

At least 15,000 families had to be evacuated due to the floods, which were spawned by heavy rains, Lt. Marianette Vinluan of the  Army’s civil-military affairs office said.