3 people reported dead as ‘Ompong’ lashes the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (Update 2, 4:48 p.m.) — Philippine authorities on Saturday afternoon said three people were reportedly killed in landslides triggered by typhoon Ompong’s (international name: Mangkhut) torrential rains.
Disaster management agency head Ricardo Jalad told a press conference that two emergency responders were killed in a fatal landslide in Cordillera Region in northern Luzon.
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As of reporting, Jalad said there were 51 incidents recorded in typhoon-battered areas, 42 of which were landslides.
Meanwhile, no casualties were reported in the coastal town of Baggao in Cagayan province, where “Ompong” made a landfall early Saturday, Jalad said.
“As we go on, the number of reported casualties may go up,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
For its part, the Philippine National Police said that aside from the two reported casualties due to "Ompong," a girl aged around nine to 12 years old was found dead in Marikina river. But Jalad said this report is still being verified.
Meanwhile, two people were injured in Baguio City and Itogon, Benguet due to landslide while another two were wounded due to electrocution, the PNP also said. There were two missing persons due to landslide, the PNP added.
According to state weather forecasters, "Ompong" continues to weaken after it hit land. Many areas are still under storm signal warnings.
Powerful winds and heavy rain brought by the massive storm have set off landslides in areas it pounded. It also caused heavy damage on an airport terminal, knocked out power and communication lines and blew off roofs. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
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