HAGATÑA – The Consulate General of the Philippines announced today that, according to an official report released by the Philippines’ National Disaster Coordinating Council, typhoon “Frank” (“Fengshen”) devastated 20 provinces, killing 94 persons and injuring 67.  A total of 471,903 individuals were affected, with 92 persons reported missing.

             Among the hardest hit regions of the country are Region VIII and VI.  In Region VIII, the estimated cost of damages to infrastructure and agriculture in the province of Leyte alone amounts to P888.55 Million, while damages to school buildings in Samar, Tacloban City and Calbayog City are estimated to be about P52 Milllion.  About 224,441 hectares or 16.774 metric tons of agricultural productions were damaged in Regions VI and VIII.

             A commercial vessel, the MV Princess of the Stars, also capsized at the height of Typhoon Frank’s fury.  Carrying 626 passengers and 121 of its crew, the MV Princess Star was on its way to Cebu from Manila when the incident occurred.  The NDCC’s report indicated that rescue operations listed at least eight (8) fatalities, while around 26 survivors have been rescued and brought to evacuation centers.

             Since the release of the report, however, around 50 more survivors have been rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard, increasing the number of the survivor count to 76.  The number of those believed to have perished has likewise climbed as more bodies have been recovered but are still to be identified.

             Relief operations have likewise been launched nationwide with an estimated P8,241,489.90 worth of assistance being distributed by various agencies including the NDCC, the Department of Health, Department of Social Work and Development, Department of Education, and the Local Government Units, and by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

            Despite her 10-day working visit to the United States of America, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo immediately issued directives regarding the government’s response to the destruction caused by Typhoon Frank by convening the NDCC through teleconferencing upon her arrival in San Francisco, California.  The President specifically gave instructions that she be kept abreast of the developments relative to the rescue and relief operations for the MV Princess of the Stars’ passengers and crew.  She likewise ordered the mounting of an operation and logistics center in Cebu so that rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations can be established immediately in an area not directly affected by the typhoon’s wrath.

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