Zero casualty? NDRRMC reports 7 dead from 'Gorio'

MANILA, Philippines - After initially claiming that there were no casualties from Tropical Storm "Gorio," the state disaster response agency reported that seven people were killed due to the effects of the said cyclone last week.

In a report on Monday evening, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said seven people, most of whom were children, were killed when a motorbanca capsized in waters off Concepcion, Iloilo on Saturday, during the height of Tropical Storm Gorio.

The fatalities were identified as Redan Rico, 2; Justin Rico, 4; Aurea Rico, 72; Rachelle Rico, 6; Paulo Cañete, 10; Hanz Christopher Cañete, 1 month old; and Jenia Cañete, 8.

Eight others were injured due to the incident.

The NDRRMC also reported that a tornado incident in Jomalig, Quezon injured four people.

Eduardo del Rosario, the agency's executive director, had said that the zero casualty earlier reported was due to preparations of state agencies and local governments.

Related story: Gorio spares Metro Manila, strands thousands

“In terms of casualties, we attained the zero casualty that we aspired for,” Del Rosario said.

“This can be attributed to the preparations undertaken on the ground by the local government units and the members of the national council of the NDRRMC, particularly PAGASA, which delivered accurate forecasting,” he added.

Del Rosario said the impact of Gorio was also minimal.

As of July 1, a total of 718 families or 3,592 people in five provinces in Luzon and Visayas were reported to be affected by Gorio.

The seventh tropical storm to enter the country this year exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Monday.

Related story: 'Gorio' exits Philippines, heads for southern China