NDRRMC: Reported death toll due to bad weather now 43

The reported fatalities due to the bad weather experienced in many parts of the country since January 1 has increased to 43, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.

In its 6 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said 13 of the reported deaths were in Bicol, 12 in Zamboanga, eight in Northern Mindanao, seven in Eastern Visayas, and one each in Mimaropa, Davao and Soccsksargen.

Only 20 of the reported fatalities have been confirmed so far while the others are being validated, the NDRRMC added.

Meanwhile, eight people were reported missing and 11 were reported injured due to the impact of the inclement weather, which was caused by low pressure areas, shear line, and the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan).

A total of 2,043,686 people or 497,015 families were affected in Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visyas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Of the affected population, 83,723 persons or 20,569 families were staying in 297 evacuation centers while 27,566 individuals or 8,321 families sought shelter in other places.

A total of 1,888 houses were reported damaged — 1,325 partially and 563 totally.

Damage to agriculture worth P1,059,352,780 and to infrastructure worth P523,190,324 were reported. The National Irrigation Administration also reported P25,610,000 worth of damage.

A state of calamity was declared in 85 cities and municipalities.

Assistance worth P103,462,770 was provided to the victims, the NDRRMC said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News