Philippines hit by deadly floods on Christmas Day

Rescue workers help people affected by flooding, in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental province, the Philippines, December 26, 2022. via REUTERS - PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

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Major flooding on Christmas Day took the lives of at least 25 people in the Philippines, according to a new report from the authorities on Wednesday, December 28.  

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Tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes after heavy rains submerged villages, towns and highways on Sunday (December 25th).

In this predominantly Catholic country, a large part of the 110 million inhabitants were preparing to celebrate Christmas.

According to the national disaster management agency, more than 81,000 people took refuge in evacuation centers and efforts were still being made to come to the aid of the most affected populations.

Rescue workers help a flood-affected person in Misamis Occidental province, the Philippines, December 26, 2022. via REUTERS - PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

At least 13 people have died, most of them drowned, in Misamis Occidental province and on the southern island of Mindanao, the national disaster management agency said.

26 people remain untraceable while nine injuries have been identified.

Heavy rain still likely

According to the weather forecast, moderate to heavy rain remained likely on Wednesday and Thursday in central and southern regions, due to an area of ​​low pressure coming from the coast which could develop into a tropical depression.

“

 Rain-triggered flooding and landslides are possible, especially in areas prone or highly prone to these hazards

 ,” the state weather bureau says.

Authorities also announced on Wednesday that aerial reconnaissance operations were underway over Misamis Occidental to assess the extent of the damage.

The weather had started to deteriorate at the weekend in the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters.

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(With AFP)

A rescue worker helps people affected by flooding in the city of Gingoog, Philippines, December 25, 2022. Philippine Red Cross via REUTERS - TWITTER@PHILREDCROSS

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