Leon now a typhoon as cyclone fatalities reach 125

Tropical Cyclone Leon (international name: Kong-rey) intensified into a typhoon on Tuesday morning as the death toll due to the weather disturbance and Severe Tropical Storm Kristine reached 125, government agencies reported.

In a Facebook post, state weather forecasters said "Tropical Cyclone Update for Typhoon #LeonPH as of 10:00 AM today. All are advised to monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA."

As of 10 a.m., weather service PAGASA said Leon was located 590 kms east of Tuguegarao City with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

The typhoon was moving west northwest at 10 kph.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday morning said a total of 125 people were reported dead amid the onslaught of Leon and Kristine (international name: Trami).

In its 8 a.m. report, the NDRRMC also said that 28 people were reported missing and 115 were reported injured.

Floods and landslides were reported in different areas.

A total of 7,134,954 people or 1,789,276 families were affected by the two weather disturbances in 17 regions in the country, the NDRRMC said.

Most of the affected individuals were reported in the Bicol Region with 2,746,214, followed by Central Luzon with 1,056,460 and Calabarzon with 701,985.

Of the affected population, 531,387 people or 121,814 families were staying inside evacuation centers while 403,727 people or 84,137 families were taking shelter in other places.

A total of 83,777 houses were damaged—78,286 partially and 5,491 totally.

Agricultural damage

Damage to agriculture worth P2,802,789,856 and to infrastructure worth P1,543,099,260 were reported due to the impact of Kristine and Leon.

Power outages, water supply problems, and communication line issues were reported in the affected areas.

Due to the threat of Kristine and Leon, 92 seaports have suspended operations which stranded 3,529 passengers, 745 cargoes, 93 vessels, and 17 motor bancas.

Three airports also have suspended operations.

State of calamity was declared in the following areas:

• Dagupan City
• Entire province of Cavite
• Entire province of Batangas
• Tagkawayan, Mulanay, and General Luna in Quezon
• Santa Cruz, San Pedro, Victoria, Los Baños, and Biñan in Laguna
• Entire province of Albay
• Bulan in Sorsogon
• Entire province of Camarines Sur
• Entire province of Catanduanes
• Entire province of Camarines Norte
• Naga City
• Calbayog in Samar
• Jipapad, Arteche, San Policarpo, Oras, Maslog, Dolores, Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, San Julian, Borongan, and Maydolong in Eastern Samar
• Magpet in Cotabato
• Alfonso Lista in Ifugao
• Quezon City

Assistance worth P719,367,919 has been provided to the victims so far, according to the NDRRMC.

Kristine entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Oct. 21 and made a landfall over Divilacan, Isabela on Oct. 24. Kristine exited PAR on Oct. 25. — Joviland Rita/ VDV, GMA Integrated News