Kiyapo’s death toll rises to 3; 1 missing as thousands seek shelter

National

KIYAPO’S impact has widened, with three fatalities, one missing person, and more than 285,000 individuals affected as the storm battered parts of the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday, July 26.

The NDRRMC reported that one person died in Davao, while two others were killed in Sarangani. The individual reported missing was also from Sarangani.

The agency said Tropical Storm Kiyapo has affected 59,987 families, or over 285,000 individuals, with 10,405 people currently staying in 51 operational evacuation centers.

The storm damaged 261 houses, including 91 homes that were destroyed. Another 170 residences sustained partial damage, according to the NDRRMC.

The government has so far provided P5,515,862 worth of assistance to communities affected by Kiyapo.

Meanwhile, Malacañang assured residents affected by severe flooding in Davao City that national government support would be provided, with officials saying assistance would be extended regardless of political affiliations.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is prepared to provide food packs and other essential supplies to families displaced by the flooding. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), she added, is also ready to assist in repairing damaged structures in affected areas.

“They are all ready to extend whatever assistance is possible to our fellow citizens in Davao City and Davao. They should not worry because the government does not look at political affiliations,” Castro said over dzMM, as quoted by One News.

Castro said the President treats all citizens equally and that the government is ready to provide the necessary assistance to affected residents.

She also said the Palace had no specific information on whether Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte had sought assistance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the flooding.

The DPWH has deployed heavy equipment to repair a collapsed section of the Bukidnon-Davao Road (Buda Road) in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog, Davao City, following Marcos’ order to fast-track repairs of critical roads in the region.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the damaged road segment on July 23 to oversee emergency operations and ensure temporary measures were carried out to restore traffic flow.

Dizon also directed regional engineers to pursue a long-term structural solution to strengthen the highway, which serves as a key transport link between Davao City and Bukidnon.(MyTVCebu)