BATANGAS CITY – The death toll in Batangas province following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) has reached 59, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on Sunday.
Sixteen remained missing and 18 were injured.
The most affected are the cities of Lipa and Calaca, and the towns near Taal Lake like Lemery, Calatagan, Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo.
Of the fatalities, at least 20 were buried in a landslide in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay.
Governor Hermilando Mandanas advised the families of the deceased to immediately bury their loved ones in case Tropical Storm Leon lashes the province again.
Leon was still 1, 000 kilometers east of Central Luzon as of 5 p.m.
“We have already given PhP 10, 000 cash assistance for burial and another PhP 10, 000 will be given soon. We will also provide housing assistance, especially those who are from Cuenca and Talisay,” Mandanas told the Philippine News Agency.
He also debunked allegations that quarrying caused landslides, attributing the tragedies to torrential rainfall almost the entire Thursday.
He said water level increased by one meter in the lakeside towns, while Lemery and Taal towns were flooded because of the overflowing of the Pansipit River.
The province was placed under a state of calamity on Friday. A resolution authorizes the release of PhP 41.8 million in quick response funds.
As of posting time, there are still 116 open evacuation centers while 27, 853 families composed of 97, 106 persons left their homes.
Of the total evacuees, 4, 175 families composed of some 11, 800 persons are still in evacuation centers.
PDRRMO head Amor Calayan told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday that teams have been dispatched to conduct search, rescue, retrieval, relief, medical, and clearing operations.
As of last count, Calayan said 2, 922 houses were damaged, 356 of which were totally destroyed.
Electricity and water connections have yet to be fully restored.
Meanwhile, all sea travels to and from Batangas Port have resumed.
Ethel Luistro, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head, said food, non-food and medical assistance are being provided by the provincial government.
Mobile clinics, kitchens and markets are set up in evacuation centers to provide basic needs. (PNA)