Landslide death toll climbs to 16

MANILA, Philippines — The number of fatalities in the rain-induced landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro increased to 16 yesterday with at least five reported injuries.

Ten of the fatalities have been validated while the rest are still being verified, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Although thousands were displaced, no one was reported missing in the calamity.

Several areas in Caraga and Davao region have been flooded as heavy rain spawned by a shear line continue to pound the regions.

Up to 3,765 families or 13,944 people are staying in 50 evacuation centers.

Damage to infrastructure in Davao region was estimated at P26.8 million.

More than P14 million worth of farm products and equipment were reported damaged in Caraga.

The NDRRMC said the province of Agusan del Norte is the most affected with over P11.8 million in estimated damage followed by Surigao del Sur with more than P2.1 million.

The shear line displaced up to 638 farmers and fishermen in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

As of yesterday, 17 areas remained flooded and at least four landslides occurred in both provinces since the rain started last week.