ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 17, 2011) – Philippine authorities on Saturday said more than 300 people are dead and missing as tropical storm Washi raked the southern region of Mindanao, officials said.
The storm left at least 75 people dead and over 250 others missing in Iligan City where 11 villages were severely damaged from flash floods. More than a dozen others had been rescued at sea, said Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
Many of those killed were due to drowning and landslides, he said.
“More troops were sent to the area to help in the search and rescue operation,” he said.
He said many children are suffering from colds and more were on roofs of their houses as soldiers used rubber boats in rescuing villagers.
Landslides were reported in Compostela Valley province, blocking roads and halting road travel in many areas, although there were no reports of casualties, according Army Lieutenant Colonel Cesar Molina, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion sent to help in rescue operations in the province.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 20 more deaths in various parts of Mindanao where landslides and flash floods had been reported.
Thousands of families were affected by the storm which is heading to Palawan province in central Philippines.
“Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.”
“Mining operators and small scale miners are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides and take necessary precautionary measures. Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea,” NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said in a bulletin sent out on Saturday.
He said the storm intensified slightly as it headed towards the Sulu Sea. The Philippines lies in the so-called typhoon belt and dozens of storms hit the country every year. (Mindanao Examiner)
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