By Francis Earl Cueto, Manila Times
THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday said estimated damage to agriculture brought by flash floods and landslides in Benguet reached P16.6 million.
NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal said at the Laging Handa Public Briefing that the estimated damage to infrastructure is P860,000.
While there were no fatalities due to the flash flood, six people were injured, and 1,054 families were evacuated from 10 affected villages.
As of noon Tuesday, only two families remain at the evacuation centers, with the rest returning home to clean their houses. A total of 1,048 houses were damaged.
Meanwhile, a total of P2.4 million worth of assistance was given to the evacuees.
"The clearing operations are being rushed to allow the residents to return home," he said.
The Philippine National Police reported that a woman died after her house was buried by a landslide due to the incessant rain on Sunday in Abucay, Bataan.
Abucay Police chief Maj. Dennis Duran identified the victim as Roselyn de la Cruz, 27, caretaker of a resort in Abucay.
He said that rescuers found her body under the mud along with a car.
Earlier, the Agriculture department estimated the damage due to the monsoon rains in Ifugao, Benguet at P14.6 million.
The figures came from the devastated rice crops and high-value crops, including vegetables.
