MANILA, Jul 25 (NNN-PNA) – Reported deaths from heavy rains, massive flooding, and landslides, triggered by south-west monsoon, enhanced by typhoon Gaemi, climbed to 21, police said today.
In a preliminary report, police said, seven people died in the Philippine capital region, Manila, three in Cavite province, five in Batangas province, and three in Rizal province. Police also reported that one died in Bulacan province, and another two in Angeles City, in Pampanga province.
The cause of death mainly was drowning, landslides, fallen trees, and electrocution.
The Philippines’ national disaster agency has yet to report deaths, due to the twin effects of the south-west monsoon and Gaemi, which exited the Philippines this morning.
Gaemi, the third typhoon to lash the Philippines this year, has dumped rains, triggering flash floods and landslides in Metro Manila and many other regions.
Aside from taking lives, Gaemi submerged and destroyed houses, primarily shanties in coastal and riverside communities, and swept away cars.
Displaced residents spent the night in covered courts, schoolhouses, churches, and other makeshift evacuation centres, while waiting for the floodwaters in their areas to recede.
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, mainly due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific typhoon belt. On average, the country experiences 20 typhoons yearly, some intense and destructive.– NNN-PNA
