MANILA, Philippines – The death toll from tropical storm “Sendong” has reached 1,453, latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed.
In its report, the NDRRMC said the number of dead bodies recovered in hardest-hit Cagayan de Oro City now stands at 891, with 502 still unidentified.
In Iligan City, disaster officials said 408 perished from the floods. A total of 330 bodies from the city have yet to be identified.
The NDRRMC said 84 individuals have been confirmed missing. However, it noted that 1,023 more missing individuals are still “subject for verification.”
Evacuation centers, tent city
Meanwhile, 5,521 families or 22,708 individuals remain inside 25 evacuation centers across Cagayan de Oro City.
Some 20 evacuation centers in Iligan City, on the other hand, are holding 5,465 families or 27,812 individuals.
A total of 54,795 individuals remain inside 56 evacuation centers in all areas affected by Sendong.
NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos on Monday said there is a possibility that a tent city will be built for the residents, who are currently taking temporary shelter in schools across CDO.
Latest count showed that a total of 42,235 homes were damaged, partially or totally, by the storm’s onslaught.