‘Ineng’death toll rises to 19 – NDRRMC-OCD

DEATHS from Typhoon “Ineng” (Goni) increased to 19, culled reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and regional Office of Civil Defense said on Monday.

The fatalities were from Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan, NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama said in a news briefing.

The incessant rains from Ineng and the southwest monsoon the past few days have triggered landslides and have caused most of the fatalities.

A separate report from Office of Civil Defense in Central Luzon said two children drowned in flashfloods early Monday in Subic.

Ineng also grounded several flights and ferry trips, and classes were canceled in some parts of Metro Manila and towns in Luzon.

Fourteen are still missing in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Benguet.

The heavy rains dumped by Ineng have affected 72,326 persons in Ilocos, Cagayan, Mimaropa, Calabarzon and Cordillera. Of these, 11,008 persons or 2,700 families were sheltered in evacuation centers.

In Ilocos, Cagayan, Calabarzon and Cordillera regions, At least 128 houses were affected (81 partially and 47 totally damaged).

Damage to agriculture and infrastructure was placed at P165 million so far in Ilocos, Cagayan and Cordillera.

A total of 50 roads (38 national, 12 local), seven bridges were closed in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Mimaropa and Cordillera, while 25 roads previously affected are now passable.

A total of P3.2 million worth of assistance was provided by Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units.

Ineng left the Philippine area of responsibility early Monday but monsoon rains will continue in Luzon.