CEBU CITY, Cebu, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has reported a total of 951,902 families (2,853,836 individuals) or 35.24% of the total population in the entire region who were affected by Typhoon "Odette" (International name: Rai) as of Jan. 3.

The Province of Cebu has the most number of families affected by Typhoon Odette with at least 549,179 families (1,661,792 individuals) or 32.15% of its total population, while Bohol Province has 293,973 affected families (810,954 individuals) or 58.16%, Negros Oriental with 108,130 families (378,886 individuals) or 23.43%, and Siquijor with 620 families (2,204 individuals) or 2.13%.

Of the 951,902 total affected families in the region, 377,551 families are situated in evacuation centers (ECs) while 98,730 families are those who sought shelter from their relatives, neighbors, and others during the onslaught of the typhoon.

As of Jan.3, there are 30,265 or 8.02% of the 377,551 affected families who are still living inside the ECs.

Meanwhile, Central Visayas has topped the list with the highest number of reported casualties based on the latest figures released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Region 7 recorded 220 out of the 397 reported deaths all over the country.

The DSWD-7 said the total affected population in the region will continue to rise as local government units (LGUs) conduct their respective Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, field validation, and Disaster Assistance Family Access Cards administration.

With all 132 LGUs affected by Typhoon Odette, Region 7 together with six other regions have been placed under a state of calamity as of Tuesday night, Dec. 21, 2021 by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through Proclamation No. 1267 upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC. (RGC/PIA7)