UP Ibalon Bicol: Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding

Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding

10/31/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The fourth cyclone to pass the Philippines this year, Typhoon Santi (code name: Mirinae) quickly pummeled Manila, the Northern part of the Philippines and Bicol Region with strong winds and heavy rains last Friday, October 30, 2009.

The tropical disturbance came at the time when Filipinos were preparing for the traditional All Saint’s Day celebration on November 1, 2009, stranding many travelers on their way home to the provinces.

As a result of better disaster preparation, many mishaps were avoided in vulnerable communities in Manila, Bicol and Central Luzon. The early evacuation of about 115,000 people avoided injuries and casualties that could have been caused by the wicked storm that earlier brought signal number 3 in many places.

“Santi, which weakened into a storm as it heads toward the South China Sea, caused “minimal casualties,” the National Disaster Coordinating Council said Saturday afternoon, killing at least one person.

At 2 p.m., the storm was seen 170 kilometers southwest of Manila, packing maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph, the state weather bureau Pagasa said."---Inquirer (10/31/09, Evangelista, K)

Flooding up to waist deep in certain areas were observed in Laguna, a province hard hit by Tyhpoon Ondoy. Some residents had to go to rooftops to avoid the rising water. In lesser extent, this happened again when Santi passed by.

Electrical power interruptions were reported in various places in Bicol Region. Many passengers on their way home for the weekend All Saint’s celebration were stranded in bus terminals and sea ports.

Certain dams and waterways were opened to prevent the repeat flooding which occurred in Nuevea Ecija, Pangasinan, Aurora, etc. All international and local flights from and to Manila were temporarily cancelled said airport manager Alfredo Cusi.

The government, the military, and its disaster agencies are on the process of helping affected families. They are on the field to assess the exact damage of the wicked weather disturbance. (Photo Credit: Ray Bruna/ Reuters) =0=

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Labels: bicol, disaster, flood, floodings, NDCC, PAGASA, Storm, Totie Mesia, Typhoon Santi, weather

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Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding

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