12 dead, over 162,000 families affected following Basyang’s onslaught

At least 12 deaths and more than 162,000 families affected were reported following the onslaught of Tropical Storm Basyang, which caused widespread flooding in Caraga and parts of Mindanao, the national disaster agency said on Monday.

A total of nine fatalities were reported in Region 10, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) told reporters via Viber. Of these, four deaths were recorded in Cagayan de Oro City due to landslides, while four were reported in Iligan City — one due to a landslide, with the causes of the remaining three still under investigation.

The agency noted that the total number of reported deaths remains unchanged from its situational report on Sunday.

The NDRRMC is also validating another reported death in Region 10, while three deaths were reported in CARAGA, all due to drowning.

Meanwhile, the largest number of affected families was recorded in CARAGA, with more than 110,000 families affected, 2,094 of whom are currently staying in 50 evacuation centers.

Region 10 followed, with over 110,000 affected families, 9,620 of whom are taking shelter in 54 evacuation centers.

Other regions, Region 6 (1,926 families), Region 7 (12,838), Region 8 (851), and Region 11 (81), also reported families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang. A total of 36 injured individuals were also reported, all in Region 10.

The NDRRMC also reported ₱260,000 in infrastructure damage and 503 damaged houses as of this writing, noting that damage assessments are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has distributed more than ₱82.5 million worth of humanitarian assistance, based on its 6:00 a.m. report.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene B. Dumlao said in a statement that humanitarian aid comprises family food packs (FFPs), ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, as well as non-food items (NFIs) such as hygiene, sleeping, and kitchen kits, water containers, and modular tents.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the full support of the government for areas affected by the storm, ensuring that affected victims will receive the assistance needed to recover. — Edg Adrian A. Eva