Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that heavy to intense rain brought by Melor caused floods in the low lying areas as well as rendered major roads impassable causing a massive traffic jam in the metropolis.
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Disaster officials said they were still confirming the number of dead from the storm.
Damage to infrastructure (PhP94,764,324) and agriculture (PhP 225,261,386.96) were estimated at PhP320,025,710.96 in Regions 4-B, 5 and 8.
The typhoon also wrecked more than 3,000 houses in Regions IVB, V, and VIII and forced the suspension of classes since Monday in 20 provinces, 23 cities and 34 municipalities.
The death toll climbed to 11 on Wednesday after local authorities in Mindoro and neighboring Romblon, a chain of three small islands known for its marble reserves, reported six deaths.
Such fear was apparently best expressed by Jonathan Baldo, the head of NDRRMC’s provincial office in Samar who warned: “Many of our residents will spend Christmas in the evacuation centres without power and potable water”.
The governor or Oriental Mindoro, Alfonso Umali Jr., told DZMM radio that strong winds were battering the province and iron roofing was flying about, endangering rescuers trying to reach flooded homes.
Tropical depression Onyok is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by Friday morning, state weather bureau PAGASA said on Thursday.
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The weather disturbance will make landfall a day after residents of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities will observe the fourth year anniversary of tropical storm “Sendong” that killed more than 2,000 residents on December 17, 2011. Koppu left more than 50 dead in October.
