As of 8 am on Saturday, October 26, the death toll has reached at least 81, a significant increase from the 13 reported on the previous day. Additionally, 66 people have been reported injured, and 34 are still missing. Almost half a million people have been displaced, most seeking refuge in evacuation centers.

The storm has led to extensive flooding, with at least 547 areas inundated across Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Reports from the ground depict stranded residents with their farm animals and pets, landslides blocking access to some villages, and ongoing rescue and road clearing operations. Damage to infrastructure has surpassed P203 million, mostly impacting schools. Agricultural losses have reached P87.53 million, affecting over 3,000 farmers and fisherfolk, and over 1,600 hectares of crops.

Power and water supply restoration efforts are progressing, with 45% of the 278 affected cities and towns having their power restored, and 47% of the 34 affected cities and towns regaining their water supply. However, half of the 447 affected road and bridge sections remain impassable, and none of the three impacted airports have resumed operations. Only 8 of the 92 affected seaports have recovered.

At least 83 cities and municipalities have been declared under a state of calamity. As of 11 pm on Friday, no more areas in the country are under a tropical cyclone wind signal, though Kristine’s trough, along with the southwesterly wind flow, may still trigger rain. (ILKHA)