LEGAZPI CITY: Nearly 400,000 people have been affected across Bicol by the combined effects of the south-west monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong, according to the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) in the region.
In a report released by OCD Bicol information officer Gremil Alexis Naz, 88,896 families, or 393,972 individuals, from 415 barangays (villages) were affected by continuous rains, flooding and storm-related incidents earlier this week.
At least 929 families, or 3,378 individuals, remain displaced. Of these, 293 families (1,014 individuals) are staying in 26 evacuation centres, while 636 families (2,364 individuals) are taking shelter outside evacuation centres, according to the report released Saturday (July 26).
Flooding remains in six barangays—four in Libon, Albay, and two in Ragay, Camarines Sur. Floodwaters are receding in 19 barangays, including six in Polangui, Albay; nine in Bato, Camarines Sur; and four in Nabua, Camarines Sur.
Meanwhile, floods have subsided in 24 barangays across Legazpi City (11), Aroroy, Masbate (8), Baao (1), Buhi (2), and Minalabac (2), all in Camarines Sur.
One structural collapse was reported in Barangay Pawa, Legazpi City, where a flood control facility gave way.
Seven houses were partially damaged—three in Jovellar, Albay due to fallen trees; one in Aroroy, Masbate due to a minor landslide; and three in Castilla, Sorsogon due to heavy rain.
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office in Bicol reported P11.46 million (US$200,525) in damages to crops, farm equipment and machinery across Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.
At least eight roads in Camarines Sur remain impassable to all types of vehicles. Two roads—one each in Albay and Camarines Sur—are not passable to light vehicles, while one road in Albay is limited to one-lane access.
The regional field office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed P15.8 million worth of food, non-food items, and financial assistance to affected families, the report said.
“There is ongoing coordination with local government units to ensure that response and relief operations are carried out efficiently,” said Claudio Yucot, OCD Bicol regional director. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
