Torrential rains that hit the Philippines over the Christmas weekend, causing extensive damage and loss of life, have claimed the lives of 49 people, according to the latest updates.
Every year, about 20 typhoons and storms hit the Philippines, one of the countries most prone to natural disasters. The archipelago is located in the “Ring of Fire” along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where numerous volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
The balance of heavy rainfall over the weekend across parts of the country, especially in the Misayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, is getting tighter.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in a statement that the number of people killed in floods and landslides caused by precipitation has risen to 49, while 22 people are still missing. 16 are wounded. Villages, towns and roads were flooded and more than 50,000 people were affected and fled their homes.
The damage caused by the flood to infrastructure and agricultural land is estimated at 1.43 billion pesos ($24.4 million).
