By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The death toll from super typhoon “Odette” which devastated southern Negros Occidental last week has risen to 34, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) data showed yesterday.
It is however believed that the death toll could be as higher as 38 as some of the fatalities recorded by local disaster teams and police in the southern part of the province had not yet been officially included in the report.
Moreover, in a report issued by Zeaphard Caelian, Negros Occidental’s disaster czar to the PDRRMC, damage to agriculture and infrastructure was estimated to be close to almost P6 billion.
A summary of the damages and needs presented by Caelian showed the amount of partially damaged houses is pegged at P212,780,000 and totally damaged houses – P13,635,000
Agriculture damage, meanwhile, is pegged at P4,445,050,801.65, while damage to livestock is at P488,780,000.
The health sector needs, meanwhile, is at P13,602,000 and another P327,768,300 is needed for the province’s food and nutrition.
The amount of infrastructure damages is pegged at P201,000,000 and seaport damage at P12,000,000.
As of yesterday, the number of displaced persons has reached 181,110.
NEGOCC UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY
Following the PDRRMC meeting yesterday, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed an executive order declaring the entire province under a state of calamity.
In his order, Lacson requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to adopt his declaration.
He was imploring the SP to provide in its resolution that a portion of the calamity fund be released to extend immediate assistance to those affected by the super typhoon.
The SP was also requested to provide a resolution ordering a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities in order to curb predatory pricing by businesses and hoarding of goods.
Super typhoon “Odette” battered the southern part of the province between late Thursday night, December 16, and early Friday morning, December 17.
Among the most heavily hit areas were the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay and the town of Ilog.
In Kabankalan City alone, the rains caused flooding to at least 60 to 70 percent of the city, while a large number of casualties was recorded in Sipalay City.
Prior to the super typhoon hitting the province, the Sipalay City government had already exerted all efforts to warn residents living in danger zones to evacuate./DGB, WDJ