The death toll from the typhoon “Basyang” (international name Conson) has increased to 76, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said in its latest situation report.

Forty three of the deaths were from Southern Tagalog, followed by Central Luzon with 15 and Bicol region with 18. Seventy-two people remain missing, mostly from Bicol.

Basyang hit the country last July 13, pounding the main island of Luzon with maximum gusts of 120 kilometres (74 miles) an hour.

At least 48,640 families or 241,651 persons were reported to have been affected by Basyang from 709 baranggays, 5 cities and 47 municipalities in 12 provinces.

The typhoon caught the capital by surprise after the state weather service PAGASA warned that only provinces north of Metro Manila will be hit.

The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and schools in Regions 3, 4-A, 4-B, 5 and Metro Manila were placed by the government at PhP 74.91 M.

Appeal for support

As of this writing, 465 families or 2,365 persons remain inside evacuation centers, the NDCC said. These families need food and non-food items such as: rice, canned goods, water, hygiene kits, clothes, bedding and shelter kits.

For your donations, please call 929-9820 / 929-9822 or drop by CDRC’s office at 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.

Sources:

Philippine Daily Inquirer, 07/15/2010

The Philippine Star, 07/20/2010

National Disaster Coordinating Council Situation Report No. 18, 07/20/2010