6 missing, 19 injured due to ‘Urduja’ — NDRRMC

The number of missing and injured individuals increased, while the number of reported casualties remained at three, due to the onslaught of tropical depression “Urduja,” the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday.

In a press briefing, NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said the Department of Health (DOH) had confirmed that six individuals were missing, and 19 others injured after “Urduja” triggered flash floods, landslides and vehicular accidents in several areas in the Visayas, mostly in Region 8.

Meanwhile, Marasigan said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) have yet to confirm the three reported casualties of “Urduja.”

Marasigan said 20,342 families or 87,719 persons have remained in evacuation centers, while 47 other families or 198 individuals took shelter with their relatives.

The NDRRMC, Marasigan said, has also recorded incidents of landslides, flooding, one capsized boat, and several vehicular accidents due to continuous rains.

Several areas are also experiencing problems in power supply. These are: two municipalities in Sorsogon, seven in Cebu, two in Leyte, five in southern Leyte, nine in eastern Samar, one in northern Samar, and the entire province of Biliran.

Marasigan said 15,534 passengers and 137 vessels are also currently stranded in various ports including those in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, eastern and western Visayas, and NCR.

“Patuloy ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbibigay ayuda sa ating kababayaan. Ongoing ang ating response cluster meeting,” she said.

(Our cooperation with the local government will continue in giving help to our countrymen. Our response cluster meeting is ongoing.)

Initial reports from the Department of Agriculture (DA) also showed that some corn, banana and coconut fields have been damaged in Cebu.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also reported 18 partially-damaged houses in Catbalogan, Western Samar, and damages on national roads worth P35.5 million in eastern Samar and Compostela Valley.

The NDRRMC also reminded families residing near coastal areas to stay alert and cautious.

“Maaari pa kayong makaranas ng patuloy na pag-ulan kaya manatiling handa at alerto… Wala nang warning pero, kung flooded ang areas nila, kung threatening pa o mataas ang tubig manatili muna sa evacuation centers,” Marasigan said.

(We may experience continuous rains so we must stay ready and alert… There’s no warning but if their areas are flooded, if the floodwaters are rising and becoming threatening, then they must stay in evacuation centers.)

The NDRRMC said they are conducting distribution of family food packs for evacuees. /je