Tropical storm-turned low pressure area (LPA) Usman brought heavy rains causing flash floods and landslides in all the provinces of the Bicol Region. As of 4:30 in the afternoon of December 30, 2018, the number of persons confirmed dead is 50 with 11 injured and 11 more considered as missing.

Fifteen of those who died are from Albay; 16 from Camarines Sur; six each from Sorsogon and Camarines Norte; and, seven from Masbate. 79,029 individuals in 266 barangays were negatively affected  with 7,470 displaced and are now in evacuation centers.

The amount of damages to agriculture and infrastructure is still undetermined. Key roads and bridges connecting the provinces are passable only to light vehicles including the Waras Bridge that connects Baao and Iriga City, both in Camarines Sur.

(From top to bottom: Landslide in Antipolo, Baao, Camarines Sur leading to the destruction of a house and the death of five kids; flash flood in downtown Buhi and other unidentified areas (middle photos); stranded vehicles in Nabua, Camarines Sur; and bridge that collapsed in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte.

Credits to: Jhem Buena, Taga Bicol Kami, Wilfredo Elcarte and Nelson B., Rhea Ortiz, and Cong. Joey Salceda.)

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