Philippine Floods Force Massive Evacuation, Killing More Than 50

Philippine Floods Force Massive Evacuation, Killing More Than 50

Heavy rains have caused large percentage of Manila, capital of Philippines, and nearby areas to be submerged. Approximately 270,000 people forced evacuated their homes because of more flooding that is expected by the officials.

More than 50 people were killed due to steady rains that were influenced by tropical storm “Haikui” in northeast of Taiwan. Haikui is expected to landfall in China late on Wednesday. 250,000 people have already been evacuated as part of the preventive measures.
Benito Ramos, chief of Philippines national disaster agency, described the flooded areas as Waterworld, in comparison with the Hollywood movie regarding a flooded world.

The government has ordered suspension of classes, private and public offices, and financial markets.
National disaster agency officials have reported that more than half of Manila was submerged in flood, three meters high. Also, the water that was released from nearby dams and high tide caused the situation to be worse.
President Aquino ordered the officials to give maximum effort to help those that were in the flooded area. Police, army troops and emergency workers were deployed along with their rubber boats and large trucks.

According to the weather bureau, the monsoon rains were recorded to be the heaviest in three years, with rainfall of 300 mm or thrice the daily standard of 80-100 mm.

Posted by James Fried on Wednesday August 08 2012, 3:12 AM EST. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0