At least 72 people have drowned in the Philippines since the beginning of the month, police said Monday. The unusually high numbers are partly due to millions of people hitting the beaches during Holy Week.
The holiday is traditionally marked in Catholic-majority countries. Millions of people generally leave the capital, Manila, to spend time with family.
Philippine National Police spokeswoman, Colonel Jean Fajardo, said the high toll was partly due to “revenge travel”. The country to a large extent is emerging from years of mobility restrictions to contain the coronavirus.
“People got a bit excited to go to beaches and resorts,” Fajardo told AFP.
A breakdown of the fatalities was not immediately available. However, Fajardo said the victims included children who were left unattended by guardians while swimming. As well as people who hit beaches while drunk.
Fajardo called the death toll “unusual” and higher than in past years.
“Resorts and beaches were packed. This also contributed to the number of drowning incidents,” she added.
The World Health Organization has said drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, with an estimated 236,000 fatalities annually.
cc: Punch Ng
