‘Usman’ Death Toll in Bicol Climbs to 105

The death toll in Bicol region due to tropical depression Usman has climbed to 105.

The latest report from the Office of Civil Defense in the region showed that the highest death toll was reported in Camarines Sur with 57 validated deaths followed by Albay with 18, Camarines Norte-15, Sorsogon eight, and Masbate with seven. There were 53 injured and 23 missing.

Claudio Yucot, OCD regional director, said that search and retrieval operations are still going on in the towns of Sagnay, which has 16 missing persons, Buhi 3, and one in Balatan, all in Camarines Sur, while three persons are being retrieved in Tiwi, Albay.

Yucot said hardest hit by landslide and floods were Camarines Sur affecting seven towns, Albay two towns and a city, four towns in Camarines Norte, Bulan and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon and Claveria town in Masbate.

An OCD report as of midnight Thursday said 8,571 families or 30,904 people still remain in various evacuation camps in Camarines Sur (8,402 families or 30,129) and Albay (169 families or 775 persons).

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said clearing operations are still ongoing in most of the road networks affected by flooding and landslides.

The report said the Daang Maharlika road in Nabua town is not passable to light vehicles while the Sipocot road is partially closed with one lane due to road slip.

Classes in all levels in Bicol were suspended and would resume on Monday next week. (PNA)