Another Pinay killed by tornado

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed yesterday the death of another Filipina in the tornado that struck Joplin town in Missouri on May 22.

The DFA, citing a report of the Philippine consulate general in Chicago, said Esterlita Manansala Moore died when she was carried away from her apartment when the tornado struck.

The consulate is coordinating with the Office of the Governor in Missouri for the release of the remains of Moore and that of Grace Aquino, who also perished in the tornado, to their families.

“The Consulate has extended its message of sympathy to her sister, Aiko Uylengco and assured her of our assistance,” Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim said.

Herrera-Lim also assured Filipinos in Joplin of the consulate’s assistance.

 “The consulate will send a team to Joplin as soon as the weather conditions settle down in the region and it is safe for travel. Tornados continue to strike in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Illinois is under a severe thunderstorm warning,” he said.

The DFA said there are about 10,396 Filipinos in the Missouri, with most of them in St. Louis, St. Charles, Fort Leonard Wood, and Blue Springs.

The DFA meanwhile advised Filipinos who have relatives in Missouri to contact the Missouri SEMA at telephone number (573) 526-9100 and fax number (573) 634-7966, the Office of the Missouri Governor at telephone number (573) 751-3222 or the American Red Cross at telephone number (1-800) 733-2767 or at its website at www.redcross.org.