The Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in Batangas said severe tropical storm ‘Kristine’ (Trami) left 59 people dead, with 18 others injured and 16 still missing, as of Sunday afternoon.
In an interview, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, who also acts as the PDRRM council chairperson, said he already extended burial assistance to the bereaved families.
According to him, he advised the families to bury the deceased relatives immediately before the arrival of new storm ‘Leon.’
“A total of P20,000 will be given but since there is still no office yet, we have already given P10,000 cash assistance for burial, and another P10,000 will be given soon. We will also provide housing assistance especially those who are from Cuenca and Talisay,” Mandanas said.
The governor explained that the landslide in different towns is due to heavy downpour of rain, debunking the allegations of quarrying.
Water level in lakeside towns including Cuenca, Balete, Alitagtag, Talisay, Agoncillo, and Laurel, increased by one meter, according to him.
Mandanas said barangays in Lemery and Taal towns were flooded because of the overflowing of the Pansipit River.
For her part, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) head Ethel Luistro said Batangueños who need food, non-food and medical assistance can expect immediate help from the local government.
“[For those who still need any form of assistance], as long as they closely coordinate with our MSWDOs in the proper channel of reporting… [we will] provide them with the help that we can provide,” she said.
The provincial government also deployed several units of mobile kitchens serving hot meals and mobile clinics providing medical assistance in all evacuation centers in the province.
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