‘Vicky’ leaves at least 9 dead

At least nine people were reportedly killed in Leyte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur as tropical depression “Vicky” brought a gloomy mood in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao ahead of the Christmas holidays, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Sunday.

OCD spokesperson Mark Timbal said three of the fatalities were recorded in Mahaplag, Leyte; three in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; and three more in Surigao del Sur.

However, Timbal noted that they were still awaiting the official report from the concerned local government units (LGUs) to determine the cause of death of the fatalities.

“Our verification is ongoing. We have encountered the reports but the details are still up for confirmation,” he said.

Mahaplag Mayor Daisy Lleve identified two of the fatalities in Leyte as Evelina Larano, 67; and Juvilinda Milana, 62, who both died due to a landslide that hit Barangay Cuatro de Agosto on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said the fatalities in Agusan del Sur were all from San Francisco town although their identities have yet to be confirmed.

Cane said two of the casualties drowned while trying to cross a river. The third casualty in the province was a man who also drowned when he attempted to cross a flooded road along with his wife using a motorcycle. The man’s wife was safely rescued.

In Surigao del Sur, Governor Alexander Pimentel said all three fatalities died due to drowning at the height of Vicky’s onslaught.

Vicky, the 22nd storm to hit the country this year, dealt some ₱105.4 million in infrastructure losses in Caraga, Jalad said. Assessment on the agricultural damage is still ongoing.