NDRRMC: Death toll from floods now 53; damage up to P1.7B

The death toll from floods and landslides that hit parts of the country in past weeks rose to 53 Tuesday morning, with the latest fatality a 40-year-old man from Sorsogon. In its 6 a.m. update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) identified the latest fatality as Victor Maranan of Poblacion, in Bacon, Sorsogon. Maranan died due to drowning, the NDRRMC report indicated. At least eight were injured while 16 remained missing as of Tuesday morning, the NDRRMC added. The report said at least 310,203 families or 1,586,548 people in 1,796 villages in 159 towns and 17 cities in 25 provinces have been affected by the floods. Of these, 1,889 families or 8,452 people are being served in 51 evacuation centers. At least 395 houses had been destroyed while 1,902 were damaged. Damage to property further went up to P1.774 billion, including P422.228 million in agriculture and P1.331 billion in infrastructure. Price ceilings Meanwhile, Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said there has been no report of profiteering so far in areas under a state of calamity due to the floods. "In areas where there is a state of calamity, there is a price list of basic goods. So far we have seen no problem," Maglaya said in an interview on dzBB radio. Areas placed under state of calamity due to floods and landslides include:

* Surigao del Sur * Butuan City * Bunawan, Esperanza, San Francisco and Sibagat (Agusan del Sur) * Surigao City * Talingod and Sto. Tomas in Compostela Valley * Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte * Eastern Samar * Albay province * Juban, Sorsogon * Silay and Victorias City, Negros Occidental

Under Section 6 of Republic Act 7581, prices of basic necessities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control whenever:

* That area is proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under a state of calamity; * That area is declared under an emergency; * The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in that area; or * That area is placed under martial law

If the prevailing price of any basic necessity is excessive or unreasonable, the implementing agency may recommend to the President the imposition of a price ceiling for the sale of the basic necessity at a price other than its prevailing price. Unless sooner lifted by the President, price control of basic necessities under this section shall remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than sixty (60) days. Government may close or initiate summary proceedings to cause the seizure of basic necessities and prime commodities of violators. Violators will also face up to 15 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to P2 million. — LBG, GMANews.TV