THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol reported nine more deaths in the region due to “Opong,” bringing to at least 37 the fatalities from the typhoon.
Meanwhile, a cloud cluster outside the Philippine area of responsibility developed into a low pressure area (LPA), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The LPA was some 1,070 km east northeast of Eastern Samar as of 3 p.m. yesterday, and was projected to enter the PAR on Tuesday night, said PAGASA weather specialist Charmagne Varilla.
Varilla also said the LPA “has a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next two days.”
Varilla added the LPA will move west northwest and may pass the landmass of Luzon.
The OCD Bicol, in a report, said Opong-related deaths in Bicol rose to 19 yesterday from 10 the previous day.
It said most of the fatalities either drowned or were hit by fallen trees.
One remained missing in the region.
Officials earlier said 10 died in Biliran, four in Samar, two in Cebu, and one each in Southern Leyte and Occidental Mindoro.
The OCD-Bicol said 12,054 families (51,458 individuals) were displaced in Bicol, of which 6,137 families (25,656 individuals) are staying in 288 evacuation centers.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is working round the clock in the transport of food packs and other essential items to areas affected by Opong and two other tropical cyclones, “Mirasol” and “Nando.”
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Christina Basco said C-130 planes, Black Hawk, helicopters and Huey helicopters are involved in the mission.
She said the Air Force is also involved in medical evacuation, transport of stranded individuals, and conduct of rapid damage and needs assessment.
