Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’ Hits Philippines, Death Toll Reaches 98

The fatalities from severe tropical storm Paeng, which battered numerous parts of Philippines over the weekend, have climbed to 98, the country's disaster agency reported on Monday.

The death toll from Paeng has reached 98, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, reported Manila Times.

Of the figure, 58 were confirmed and 40 were verified. Meanwhile, 69 people were injured and 63 others were reported missing.

The storm affected 1,812,740 people or 575,728 families in 31,942 villages in 17 regions including Metro Manila, reported Manila Times.

The storm affected 1.8 million Filipinos, including more than 213,000 who sought refuge in evacuation centres.

The affected areas include Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City).

At least 113,408 hectares of agricultural areas were affected and production loss was placed at 11,761 metric tons.

Damage to fisheries, corn plantations and high-value crops reached P 14.13 million, P 4.19 million and P2 million, respectively.

"Paeng" was estimated at 340 kilometres west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan while moving west-northwestward at 10 kilometres per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph and gustiness of up to 105 kph. 

(with inputs from ANI)

Also Read: National Unity Day Celebrated Today, Tributes Paid to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel