Davao, Caraga landslides, flooding kill 16; agri damage hit ₱78M

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23)— Landslides and floods caused by heavy rains in Davao and Caraga regions left 16 people dead, with the cost of agricultural damage rising to ₱78 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

It said 173,875 families or 768,387 persons were affected in two regions, eight provinces, 44 cities and towns, and 449 barangays.

“From 15-19 January 2024, Regions XI and Caraga were affected by the Shear Line. This weather system brought rains in the regions and caused flooding and landslide incidents in some areas,” the NDRRMC said in a report.

Five people were also injured due to landslides and flooding in Davao and Caraga regions, it added. The dead and injured are all males, including infants and children.

Both regions had 198 areas with flooding incidents while it had 78 other related incidents

The response agency reported more than ₱27 million worth of damage to 55 infrastructures including bridges, flood control structures, roads, schools, government facilities, and utility service facilities.

Nearly 8,276 hectares of crops worth over ₱78 million were also damaged, with nine cities and municipalities declaring a state of calamity, it added,

No airports and flights were affected as of reporting time.

Two seaports affected by heavy rains were restored and were operational, the agency said.

Meanwhile, 50 cities and municipalities declared class suspension while 31 others suspended work.

NDRRMC said ₱62.57 million worth of assistance were provided by different government agencies and local governments.