Philippine: Death toll from tropical storm rises to 31

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

The death toll from the tropical storm Urduja in central Philippines has risen to 31, with at least 49 still missing, a government official said.

In a news briefing, Harry Roque Jr., presidential spokesman said island of Biliran province is one of the heavily devastated provinces, where 23 people were killed as a result of landslides.

Roque also revealed that President Rodrigo Duterte is set to arrive in Biliran Monday to inspect the relief activities.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy also said it is sending its largest and newest ships for helping the ongoing relief operations storm-hit areas.

“The Flag Officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado has directed Naval Forces Central in Mactan, Cebu to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in affected areas,” the Navy quoted as saying by Inquirer News.

Mercado has called on local officials and civic groups, who wish to extend assistance to the victims of the typhoon, to coordinate with the Navy.

Romina Marasigan, spokeswoman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in an update earlier Monday said more than 44,000 families are housed in 608 evacuation centers in six provinces in the country.

The government has so far distributed P37 million ($73,300) worth of food and non-food items to evacuees.

NDRRMC reported that almost 250,000 people are affected by Urduja and the cost of damage is estimated to be P327.2 million ($6.49 million).

Urduja made its first landfall on Saturday in Central Philippines’ Eastern Samar and has made its sixth landfall Monday morning in Palawan province before weakening.