THE aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has left a trail of devastation in the Bicol Region, with three confirmed deaths reported by the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) on Wednesday.
Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, Bicol regional police chief, revealed that one person remains missing and six others sustained injuries as of 6 a.m. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported one fatality in Palanas, Masbate, where a falling tree branch struck a victim.
The OCD also reported seven missing individuals, including three fishermen from San Fernando, Masbate, three from Daanbantayan, Cebu, and one from Pilar, Cebu. Five people were injured, including four in Northern Samar and one in Labo, Camarines Norte, who was involved in a vehicular accident.
While the NDRRMC reported slightly lower numbers, with only three missing individuals in Bicol and one injured, the impact of the storm is undeniable. A total of 382,302 individuals or 77,910 families have been affected across Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
Over 12,000 people are currently seeking refuge in evacuation centers, with hundreds more staying in alternative shelters. The NDRRMC reported floods, landslides, vehicular accidents, and uprooted trees across the affected regions.
The storm has also caused significant damage, including 57 houses (49 partially and eight totally) and one structure. Power outages have been reported in 36 areas, along with communication line issues in one area.
Due to the storm’s impact, 34 seaports across various regions have suspended operations, stranding thousands of passengers, cargo vehicles, vessels, and motorized bancas. Classes in 602 areas and work schedules in 164 areas have also been suspended.
Authorities have provided P169,685 worth of assistance to victims.
