Kristine pounds Bicol, accelerates westward

MANILA, Philippines — Classes and office work were suspended, flights were canceled and power and water services were disrupted as Tropical Storm Kristine dumped heavy rains and caused torrential flooding in the Bicol region.

Three persons were missing and another was injured as Kristine cut across the country and accelerated westward, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

There have been no reports of deaths, the NDRRMC said, as disaster response and rescue teams continue to monitor the situation in various provinces.

Before even making landfall, Kristine (Trami) has affected 77,910 families or 382,302 people in the Bicol region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Of the number, the NDRRMC said at least 3,095 families or 12,334 people have been brought to 306 different evacuation centers.

With floods and overflowing rivers rendering various roads and bridges unpassable, a total of 4,753 passengers are stranded in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

The NDRRMC said 703 rolling cargoes, 26 vessels and 13 motor bancas were also reported stranded in the same regions where power outages and interruptions have likewise been reported.

During a situation briefing held by President Marcos at the NDRRMC headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, the Chief Executive acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the flooding, stating that while Bicol remains submerged, “we will go in” as soon as roads are cleared.

Malacañang suspend classes and government work in Bicol.

About P411 million worth of financial assistance were mobilized yesterday by Speaker Martin Romualdez to victims of typhoon Kristine across the hardest-hit 22 legislative districts.

Romualdez has facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, to be distributed to 22 districts affected by the typhoon in Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Mimaropa, as well as through four party-list representatives.

Gabonada said a separate relief mission is also being prepared by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House committee on appropriations.

Meanwhile, Kristine has strengthened into a