Over 51,000 affected as ‘Aghon’ nears exit

MANILA, Philippines — More than 51,000 people were affected by Typhoon Aghon (international name: Ewiniar), which hit the Philippines over the weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday. 

The first cyclone to enter the country this year impacted over 16,000 families in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. 

Aghon brought strong winds and heavy rain, forcing around 21,225 people to flee their homes. Of those, 14,816 individuals sought temporary shelter in evacuation centers, while 6,409 stayed with relatives or friends.

The NDRRMC confirmed only one death due to Typhoon Aghon: a 14-year-old girl from Misamis Oriental who was killed when a tree was toppled by Aghon's strong winds.

Separately, six more deaths were reported in Quezon province. 

The disaster agency added that Aghon left eight people hurt. 

The government has so far provided assistance amounting to P4.1 million to affected residents. 

State weather bureau PAGASA said on Wednesday that Aghon no longer poses a threat and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility this morning or afternoon. — Gaea Katreena Cabico