UP Ibalon Bicol

Tropical strom Isang (international code name Molave,) passed the northern part of the country on Saturday, July 18, 2009, leaving 3 dead and 2 missing persons. According to The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC,) Lomer Fernando, 32 of Batac, Ilocos, died of electrocution, a 9 month old Katrina Justilero fell and was swept by raging flood, and 13 year old Joemar Ligara, of Caloocan City drowned in a river.

Those who were reported missing included 9-year-old Arnold Julian of San Mateo town in Rizal province and and Jonathan Hormeneta, 22 who respectively fell in a manhole and carried by strong river torrent during heavy rains.

“The agency said the rains brought by the storm flooded 176 villages in Ilocos Norte, La Union, Rizal, Cavite provinces and Metro Manila. It added that 30 villages in nine cities in Metro Manila were flooded at the height of the storm.”---abs-cbnNews.com (07/18/09)

Almost all the casualties seemed avoidable. In a mix of filth and garbage, thousands of Manila residents waded the murky flood waters that pose danger to their health. To gain mobility, children and adults walked and play in flooded streets, unmindful of the dangers.

The yearly typhoons have caused deaths, injury, and property damage to the nation. Disaster preparedness had been a challenge during the typhoon season. (Photo Credit: Kevulike) =0=

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