Death from monsoon rains, ‘Inday’ hits 18

National

THE death toll from the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Inday has risen to 18, with 12 people still missing, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported.

Most of the fatalities were caused by landslides and drowning, with deaths recorded in Sarangani, Lanao del Sur, and Bukidnon, a report by Philstar said.

The weather disturbance has affected around 123,000 families, or 562,000 people nationwide.

Although Typhoon Inday has left the country, the PAGASA warned that the enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains and thunderstorms across several parts of the country.

A Yellow Rainfall Warning remains in effect over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

The report also stated 845 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded at seaports due to strong winds and heavy rains, along with 169 rolling cargoes, five ships, and four motorized boats.(Feirnchae M. Lim, UP Cebu Comm Intern)