An elder died while two others were injured as Typhoon Florita left the country’s area of responsibility on Aug. 24.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera reported as of Aug. 26, the injured individuals were recorded in Abra and Benguet while the lone fatality was recorded in Kalinga.
The Pinukpuk Municipal Police Station identified the fatality as 56-year-old Francis Bitanga of Barangay Wagud.
Report said on Aug. 22, Bitanga visited his farm and spent the whole night in his relative’s hut. Early the next day, he went to his farm despite the heavy rains and strong winds brought by the typhoon.
After a few hours, his relative traced his steps and Bitanga’s body was found pinned by an ilang-ilang tree at the edge of the creek. He was already unresponsive when he was found.
The DSWD reported a total of 13,744 families or 48, 952 individuals were affected in the Cordillera with Abra topping the list with 11,865 families in 18 municipalities; Apayao with 1,734 families in seven towns; Baguio City with 25 families; Benguet with 41 families in five towns; Kalinga with one family; and Mountain Province with 78 families in seven towns.
There were also 83 families or 258 individuals who were displaced and sought shelter in evacuation centers while 291 families or 900 individuals were placed outside evacuation centers, some sought shelter with relatives or neighbors.
There are four totally damaged houses with two in Benguet and one each in Baguio City and Mountain Province while 31 houses were partially damaged.
The DSWD has released P673,879.10 worth of assistance through financial and food packs to the affected families and individuals. – Ofelia C. Empian
