Infrastructure damage due to typhoon Odette reaches P17.7B
DAMAGE to public infrastructure due to typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, has reached over P17.71 billion, based on the national disaster management agency’s compiled reports as of Jan. 10.
Schools and other government buildings and facilities account for more than half of the 667 affected structures recorded since the typhoon struck on Dec. 16. The others are roads, bridges, flood control structures, health facilities, and utility service facilities.
Caraga Region, located in the northeastern part of the southern islands of Mindanao, incurred the biggest damage at more than P12.82 billion.
Caraga covers the island provinces of Dinagat and Siargao as well as Surigao City, three of the hardest hit areas by the strongest typhoon to enter the country last year.
The regions of Mimaropa — composed of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan — had P2.36 billion in infrastructure damage.
Central Visayas, which includes the provinces of Cebu and Bohol, reported P2.15 billion in damage.
The reported damage values so far in other regions were: Northern Mindanao, P178.8 million; Eastern Visayas, P173.4 million; and Soccsksargen — South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City — at P20 million.
Affected houses, meanwhile, was more than 1.36 million, with 368,441 totally destroyed and 991,762 partially damaged, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s latest situational report.
Repair and rebuilding works are ongoing, but 341,454 people are still displaced and mostly staying in more than 1,200 evacuation centers.
The number of deaths has been unchanged in the last two weeks at 407. There are still 66 missing while 1,261 were injured. — MSJ
