Typhoon Inday kills at least 18

AT LEAST 18 people have died due to drowning and landslides as Typhoon Inday, with international name Bavi, and an enhanced southwest monsoon battered parts of the Philippines, the disaster agency said on Sunday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported in its 6 a.m. situation update that the fatalities included 10 people in Malapatan, Sarangani, six in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, and two in Bukidnon. The agency said that the validation of these reported casualties remains ongoing.

The NDRRMC confirmed seven injuries resulting from landslides in various regions, including Marinduque, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Lanao del Sur, and Baguio.

It added that authorities are also conducting search operations for 12 missing individuals, specifically seven people in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and five in Calanogas.

The combined impact of the weather systems has affected approximately 562,000 people, representing 123,000 families across the country. NDRRMC data showed that 16,200 individuals are currently taking shelter in 116 active evacuation centers.

Property damage has also been recorded, counting 236 houses damaged, 14 of which were categorized as totally destroyed.

The NDRRMC said that approximately P28.57 million in assistance has been provided to the affected families thus far. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking