TALISAY, Batangas – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that at least 18 persons were killed in a landslide in Barangay Sampaloc here during the onslaught of severe tropical storm “Kristine” on Thursday night, Oct. 24.
Authorities recovered the bodies during a search and retrieval operation on Friday, Oct. 25.
It also said that 10 individuals are missing and 400 houses were damaged due to Kristine in this province.
The PDRRMC said 6,000 families or 22,266 individuals were affected and 5,071 families or 17,720 persons are sheltered in evacuation centers.
Gov. Hermilando Mandanas has ordered road clearing operations and search and rescue operations for landslide victims and mobile kitchens and clinics in evacuation centers.
State of calamity
Meanwhile, Batangas is under a state of calamity effective Friday after the province sustained extensive damage due to Kristine.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by Mandanas recommended the declaration to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to fast-track recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
Provincial board member Bibong Mendoza authored Resolution No. 1565 formalizing the declaration that was unanimously approved by his colleagues headed by presiding officer Vice Gov. Mark Leviste.