3 people die, Php 318.7M in damages left by Storm ‘Amang’ in Bicol

Numerous people stranded in ports due to tropical storm ‘Amang’ (screenshot from GMA News footage)

LEGAZPI CITY — At least three persons died and hundreds of millions in agriculture crops were lost as Tropical Storm “Amang” left the Bicol Region, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said Tuesday.

Killed were Domingo Tablate, 69, of Barangay Antipolo Del Norte, in Virac, Catanduanes, who drowned when flood waters swept him on Sunday; Arlene Aguilar, 48, who was buried alive when landslide hit their residence in Barangay Tawig, Paracale, Camarines Norte; and Emmanuel Espinosa Andaya, 56, of Purok 1, Poblacion 3, Vinzons town, Camarines Norte, according to Bernardo Alejandro, RDRRMC chair and Office of Civil Defense regional director.

The OCD estimated that damages to agriculture crops were partially placed at Php 249.5 million with the province of Camarines Sur having the vast agriculture losses at Php 187.3 million, followed by Sorsogon with Php 23.2 million in damages, Albay-Php 12.3 million, Camarines Norte – Php 6.9 million, and Masbate, with only Php 857,900.

High-value crops damages also reached Php 19.5 million, the report said.

Damages to public infrastructure (road and bridges) were placed at Php 49.7 million.

Government engineers were able to clear all road networks affected by flooding and landslides, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

Power, water and communication facilities in Bicol provinces have resumed normal operation, except in some areas in Camarines Norte.

Storm Amang totally destroyed 50 houses while 221 house were partially damaged.

Commercial plane carriers resumed regular flights in Bicol on Monday.