Deaths due to widespread rains now at 44

Rains due to active weather systems, specifically the shear line and the northeast monsoon continue to affect the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its situational report on Wednesday, Feb. 1, that the death toll due to the rains increased to 44. | Satellite photo from Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines—One more death was reported due to the rains brought about by several low-pressure areas (LPAs) and other weather systems since the beginning of the year, bringing the toll to 44, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its situational report on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

READ: Death toll from widespread rains since January 2 jumps to 43 — NDRRMC

The additional fatality in the Bicol Region brought the number of deaths to 14.

Zamboanga Peninsula followed with 12 fatalities, while Northern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas reported 8 and 7 deaths respectively.

Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), the Davao Region, and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) each suffered one fatality.

While the agency has validated 20 deaths, the rest remain unconfirmed. 11 individuals have been reported injured, and 8 are still missing.

Agricultural damage is estimated at P1.059 billion, while destruction of infrastructure is estimated at P521.9 million.

The country continues to be affected by a number of widespread rain-inducing LPAs as well as the shear line and the northeast monsoon, or amihan, that has entered the Philippine area of responsibility since the start of the new year.

/ra/abc