MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 19, 2011) – The death toll in the aftermath of the deadly storm that hit the southern Philippines have climbed up to 497 and many are still missing and feared dead, the Philippine Red Cross said Monday.
It said the two worst hit areas were Cagayan De Oro City with 215 dead and Iligan with 195. Other areas with casualties were the provinces of Bukidnon, 47; Compostela Valley 5; Zamboanga Del Norte, 3; Lanao del Norte, 9; Surigao Del Sur; 1 and Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, 22.
The Red Cross also reported earlier 202 injured and 162 others missing.
While floodwater has subsided, many families still remained at the evacuation centers while they try to fix and clean their damaged homes from thick mud.
PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang has appealed for help for food,clothing, sleeping materials, blankets and school supplies and footwear for the children.
Nearly 500 staff and Red Cross 143 volunteers deployed in the field are now conducting assessment of the situation and providing hot meals to the evacuees.
The Red Cross has set up welfare desks and first aid stations at the evacuation centers to look after the affected families. It said more relief goods are underway for disaster-stricken families in Mindanao.
Three days after tropical storm Washi ravaged Mindanao with massive flashfloods, affected families struggled to pick up the pieces from whatever is left of their belongings.
Red Cross expressed concern over the plight of the affected families, specially the children who were looking forward to the festive Christmas Season and the gifts they will receive.
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