Nika, Ofel damage over 3,200 homes, affect 400K people — NDRRMC

A total of 3,214 houses were damaged during the onslaught of tropical cyclones Nika and Ofel, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

In its 8 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said 2,922 houses were partially damaged while 292 were totally damaged in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Most of the damaged homes were reported in Cagayan Valley with 2,739.

Nika and Ofel brought heavy rains that caused floods in the affected areas, according to the NDRRMC.

The affected population due to Nika and Ofel has increased to 419,923 people or 109,263 families in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, and CAR.

Cagayan Valley has the most number of affected residents with 228,635 people or 58,171 families.

At least two people were reported injured due to the onslaught of the two tropical cyclones.

In Central Luzon, damage to infrastructure worth P320,658,974 and to agriculture worth P855,326 were reported.

Strong winds and heavy rains made some 164 road sections and 94 bridges impassable to motorists and residents.

Power outages were also encountered in 71 cities and towns in some affected regions.

Due to the threat of the weather disturbances, a total of 21 seaports suspended their operations.

Classes in 579 areas and work schedules in 212 areas were suspended due to the expected impact of Nika and Ofel.

A state of calamity was declared in Dilasag, Aurora.

Assistance worth P23,062,167 has been provided to the victims so far, according to the NDRRMC.

Nika on November 11 made landfall in the vicinity of Dilasag, Aurora and traversed Northern Luzon. It exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on November 12.

Meanwhile, Ofel was located 100 kilometers northwest of Calayan, Cagayan early Friday morning. It made landfall in the vicinity of Baggao, Cagayan on Thursday afternoon. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News