Typhoon Nesat leaves 31 dead in Philippines
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China Daily via Agencies, September 29, 2011
Typhoo Nesat exited the Philippines Wednesday, leaving 31 people dead, over 60,000 families displaced and damaging nearly 1 billion pesos ($22.8 million) worth of infrastructure and crops.
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Residents clean up after flooding in Marikina City, Metro Manila Sept 28, 2011. The Philippines began on Wednesday the clean-up of flooded areas and assessments of damage, including to the key rice crop, a day after Typhoon Nesat left behind at least 31 dead. [Photo/Agencies] |
Nesat battered northern Philippines Tuesday bringing heavy rains and high winds that caused landslides and widespread flooding. As of Wednesday night, Nesat has left the Philippines and is now moving towards south China, according to local weather forecasters.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said most of the fatalities were from the worst-hit Central Luzon, Cordillera region and capital region.
In the Philippine capital of Manila, Nesat brought torrential rains that filled the streets with waist-deep water, destroyed several shops and knocked down trees. Waves from Manila Bay reached as high as coconut trees and pounded the seawall.
In the northern region of Cordillera, 61 road sections were blocked due to landslides and flooding.
NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said drowning, landslides, traffic accidents and falling trees were the main causes of death.
Ramos said initial cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounted to 985 million pesos ($22.5 million). Nesat inundated key farm areas damaging rice and corn crop. The figure excludes the 993 houses damaged by Nesat.
Ramos said several road sections in northern Philippines " remain impassable". Several areas are still without electricity as strong winds knocked down electric posts.
"It will take some time before electricity in these areas. They might be restored maybe by tomorrow, in two days or three days," he said.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government sympathizes with the families of those who died during the height of typhoon Nesat.
"We are extending our condolences to those who lost their loved ones because of the previous typhoon," Valte told a news briefing.
She said that the government, through the local government units, are helping families affected by the typhoon.
The Department of Health has prepared medical supplies and will be dispatching doctors to affectyed areas. Social welfare department has extended 2.9 million pesos ($66,360) worth of food and emergency supplies to evacuees.
