8 dead, 3 missing from typhoon

MANILA, Philippines — Reported deaths arising from Super Typhoon Karding’s onslaught rose to eight yesterday with at least three persons still missing, according to reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The fatalities include the five rescuers from Barangay Camias, San Miguel, Bulacan who drowned while carrying out their duties on Sunday.

Two other fatalities from Zambales are still being validated by the NDRRMC while one died in a landslide in Barangay Aluyon, Burdeos, Quezon.

The NDRRMC said five missing fishermen from Mercedes, Camarines Norte are still subjects of search and rescue operations.

In San Miguel, Bulacan, Mayor Roderick Tiongson confirmed that an unidentified drowning victim was recovered in Barangay Cambio yesterday morning.

As of yesterday, 12,352 families or 46,008 individuals are still in 976 evacuation centers in affected provinces of Luzon.

NDRRMC spokesman Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro earlier reported that Karding mostly caused damage to agriculture with minimal damage to infrastructure despite some damaged roads and houses.

In terms of road closures, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has identified a total of nine roads that were closed since Monday, while three are passable with limited access.

The DPWH has deployed Quick Response Teams in typhoon-affected areas to step up the clearing operations to restore mobility and support government’s relief operations.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Armand Balilo said operations in ports have normalized, sea travel resumed and that no untoward incidents were reported.

He added there are no more stranded passengers in all port areas, except in the port of Matnog, where some travelers are still queuing for departure.

Southwest monsoon

The southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains over parts of the country even as Karding has exited the Philippine area of responsibility.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the monsoon will bring rains over Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will see cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers due to the monsoon and localized thunderstorms. PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during at times heavy rains.

State of calamity

Mayor Angelique Bosque of Polillo, Quezon is eyeing a declaration of a state of calamity that would ensure the release of quick response funds to assist those affected by natural calamities and allow the government to impose a price freeze on basic commodities.

“That is what we are looking at, we are gathering data about damages,” she said in Filipino over Teleradyo yesterday. Bosque did not give a specific figure but said they have limited funds to address the needs of their constituents.

The local chief executive appealed for aid from the national government, such as financial assistance for the repairs of their homes that were destroyed when the typhoon hit Polillo.

On Monday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Ecija passed a resolution placing the province under a state of calamity following the onslaught of Karding.

Following the announcement, the Department of Energy (DOE) said a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products is in effect in the entire province. During the price freeze, the DOE said rollback of prices will be implemented, while price increases are strictly prohibited.

The PDRRMC, headed by Governor Aurelio Umali, recommended the declaration due to the extensive damage caused by Karding on agricultural crops and infrastructure.

The governor also announced the suspension of classes in all levels, both in private and public schools yesterday. However, he said work in government agencies and offices will resume.

Relief ops

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers of the 202nd Infantry Brigade brought relief goods to affected families in an evacuation center in Real, Quezon while its air assets were deployed for rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Quezon provinces on Monday.

Philippine Air Force personnel helped in repacking relief goods at the operations center of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in Quezon City while Philippine Army troops helped clear debris along the roads in their respective areas of operation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said yesterday over 31,000 families were affected by Karding.

DSWD assistant secretary Romel Lopez said government has P1,173,998,679.24 available relief resources for the victims of Karding which affected Regions I, II, III, V and Calabarzon.

Lopez said the DSWD, local government units (LGUs) and other partners have provided P2,601,601.90 to typhoon victims, noting that government has P186,429,629.22 standby funds/quick response fund while the department has stockpiles amounting to P987,569,050.02. – Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano, Ric Sapnu, Robertzon Ramirez, Richmond Mercurio, Ramon Lazaro, Romina Cabrera