Million in infra, agri damage caused by ‘habagat’ – NDRRMC

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through its Regional DRRM Councils, Tuesday, said that close to R64 million worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture were incurred due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon, or “Habagat”, that was enhanced by Tropical Storm "Karding" (international name Yagi).

NDRRMC Executive Director Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, who is also the concurrent administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said a total of R63, 544,164.71 worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture were incurred in Regions 1, 2, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).

He added that, as of yesterday, two people were confirmed killed while three people are still missing due to effects of the weather disturbance.

Of the total amount of damage, R33.5 million was for agriculture, and R30, 044,164.71 for infrastructure.

Jalad said, as per reports they received, a total of 395,503 families or 1,592,529 persons were affected in 1,112 barangays in Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), CAR (Cordillera Autonomous Region) and NCR.

Of the number, 25,869 families or 117,594 persons continue to be served inside and outside evacuation centers.

Jalad said a total of 111 road sections and one bridge were affected in Regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, and CAR. As of August 18, 2018, a total of 87 road sections were reported passable.

A total of 54 road incidents were also monitored in Regions 1, 2, CAR, and CALABARZON.

Jalad said a total of 1,039 houses were damaged in Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON, and CAR, of which 258 were totally destroyed, while 781 were partially damaged.

To date, a total of 435 cities and municipalities in Regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, CAR, and NCR suspended classes in their respective areas. A total of 221 cities/municipalities have resumed classes.

A total of 816 areas were reported flooded in Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON and NCR since August 11, 2018. Of which, 271 already subsided.

Jalad said a total of R52, 394,089.06 worth of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been provided to Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON, CAR and NCR.

He added that, as of August 21, 2018, two people were confirmed killed while three people are still missing due to effects of the weather disturbance.