By Martin Sadongdong
At least two more people died in Cagayan province, bringing the death toll to four, as typhoon "Quiel" pummeled northern Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday.
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MANILA BULLETIN)
NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad identified the two more fatalities as Jeremiah Saring, 14, of Barangay San Antonio, Aparri; and Ariel Versola, 32, of Imurong, Baggao.
According to Jalad, Saring died of electrocution while Versola drowned. The latter went missing on Thursday and was found dead around 11 a.m. Friday.
Earlier, Jalad said 10-year-old Eljhay Dallego drowned in Barangay Mapula, Claveria while 36-year-old Augusto Atiagan perished after being hit by a collapsed wall in Barangay Magdalena, Claveria.
Two others were injured due to a soil erosion in Baguio City but Jalad said they were immediately taken to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.
Quiel left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) around 5 a.m. Saturday.
The provincial government of Cagayan has earlier declared a state of calamity due to severe flooding.
21K persons affected
Meanwhile, some 4,987 families or 21,060 individuals were affected in 98 barangays (villages) in Region 1 (Ilocos) and Region 2.
Jalad said some 770 families or 2,893 individuals were displaced and taking shelter in 29 evacuation centers while 95 families or 427 individuals were being served outside evacuation centers.
He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 2 (DSWD-2) has distributed family food packs and ready to eat food to affected families in the towns of Abulug, Lasam, Sanchez Mira, Santa Praxedes, Allacapan and Pamplona.
Some 40 roads and nine bridges were also damaged by Quiel in Regions 1, 2 and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Of the number, 26 roads and five bridges were still not passable as of Saturday.
The total cost of assistance by the DSWD and the local government units to the affected families in Regions 1 and 2 have amounted to P1,510,370, Jalad concluded.