Tropical Storm ‘Maring’ caused widespread flooding; 5 Dead

As Tropical Storm Maring moves away from Luzon, it has left many low-lying areas flooded in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, prompting landslide and flash floods. A number of households were forced to evacuate as floodwaters rose in a number of regions. Many commuters were stranded, classes were cancelled and government work was suspended in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon on Tuesday  while several flights were canceled due to heavy rains. Officials said two brothers Jude Pondal, 17 and Justin, 14 were recovered from the rubble of their house which was buried in mud by  landslide in Barangay Dolores in Taytay, Rizal. In Lucena City, a 3-month old baby died after strong rains brought down a retaining wall that buried three houses behind Mount Carmel Diocesan Hospital.  A woman in Silang, Cavite drowned in floodwaters trying to save her four children and in Pasay City, a 12-year old Samanta Cornejo drowned as she was swept away by strong currents on Maricaban River. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also received reports of three landslide incidents in Calabarzon, as well as five reported missing persons in Calamba, Laguna.

The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsiblity (PAR) on Wednesday evening. PAGASA alert on Wednesday morning still indicates ‘heavy rains with lighting and strong winds’ and advised all to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides.