Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
El Salvador flooding kills 40 people
El Salvador’s interior minister Humberto Centeno announced that after three days of continuous rains, at least 14 provinces in a mountainous region of the country were waterlogged and inundated by flood. About 40 people died and at least two dozen casualties were reported in San Vicente province.
The massive rainfall in Central Latin America was traced to the low pressure areas in the coast of the Pacific. In the northwest Caribbean, Hurricane Ida, passing the Yucatan in the Mexican peninsula played some role in bringing Ecuador's disastrous flooding. (Photo Credit: Tina Manthorpe) =0=
UPDATE: 11/09/09 More landslides, flooding, and destruction property upped the number of deaths in El Salvador to 124. The number of casualties is expected to rise and hundreds of homes were destroyed, leaving some 13,000 people homeless.
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A weather forecasting center in Naga College Foundation helps Camarines Sur residents
The Typhoon Preparedness Center (TPC) was established six months ago in the Naga College Foundation. Headed by David Michael Padua, a UP geography graduate residing in Naga City, the center had been a source of information about the weather.
Functioning like the country’s Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA,) the national weather adviser and forecaster, TPC had been giving local weather tips to Camarines Sur, a Bicol province known for its high frequency of storms. During Typhoon Santi, the center issued weather forecasting advisories every three hours in their website: Typhoon2000.com
Relying on the data from foreign weather agencies, the center shares supplemental weather information locally alerting the public and the government when foul weather is coming. In addition, Padua and his assistants organize seminars to educate students, teachers, government officials and the laymen on the fundamentals of early warnings during a weather disturbance.
It is a big help that TPC is able to give valuable news about incoming typhoons, thus helping people in the area to get ready. The NCF-sponsored weather center is trying to get the cooperation of the media to help spread their information. The service it gives to the community is certainly an effort that must be commended and supported. (Photo Credit: digitaldisorder) =0=
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Typhoon Santi left with at least 12 people dead in Bicol
Although the destruction and casualties of Typhoon Santi (Code Name; Mirinae) was minimized because of some disaster preparedness waged by the public, significant displacement, deaths and damage were still experienced by people on the way of the wicked weather.
The fast-moving typhoon that brought strong winds and heavy rains on its path left the country yesterday with 12 reported deaths in Bicol. Four people were suffered injuries and another four were missing.
“Raffy Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director, identified the casualties mostly from Camarines Norte as Sarah Mae Vargas, Jose Edoña, Flora Estacion, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Maria Ferrer, Rogelio Rasco, Analiza de la Cruz, Louie Alano of Bagamanoc, Catanduanes and four others (two from Jose Panganiban town and one each from Daet and Paracale." ----Philstar (11/02/09, Flores, H; Mananghaya, J.)
As the storm hit land, many travelers were stranded in bus stations and seaports. According to reports, 1,507 homes were completely damaged in Basud, Paracale, San Lorenzo, Talisay, Vinzons and Labo in Camarines Norte. Six thousand four hundred forty one (6,441) were partially damaged in same area. Eighty eight (88) houses were totally destroyed in the town of Siruma, among the 528 which were partially destroyed in various towns in Camarines Sur.
There were flooding in certain areas in Manila and Southern Luzon. About 19,000 individuals went to evacuation centers to seek safety. According to the NDCC, The weather disturbance affected an estimated 2,853 families or 13,456 individuals in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa Region and Metro Manila. (Photo Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP) =0=
RELATED POST: "Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding" Posted by mesiamd at 10/31/2009; "Typhoon Santi heads for Central Luzon" Posted by mesiamd at 10/30/2009
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Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding
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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Typhoon Santi heads for Central Luzon
Barely a week after Ramil, the typhoon that passed Northern Luzon, another storm has developed and is headed to Central Luzon. Santi, the fourth cyclone coming into the country's territory packs winds at about 150 kph, threatening residents previously affected by wicked weather.
The new typhoon is expected to bring rains and flooding in the area including Metro Manila. Part of the seasonal disturbance, the storm will reach land on Saturday probably passing close to Aurora and Nueva Ecija.
”Based on Pagasa's forecast, Santi’s center is expected to be 180 km east of Baler, Aurora province by Saturday morning, cross Central Luzon throughout the day, and be on its way out at 240 km west northwest of Manila by Sunday morning.:---GMA.new.Tv.com (10/28/09)
From Bicol to Central Luzon, signal number two has been declared. Santi is the 19th weather turbulence that will likely affect the Philippines this year. As a precaution, the Coast Guard has suspended sea travel from Aurora to Camarines Sur in Bicol at a time when the entire country is preparing for the feast of All Saints' Day.
"Aside from Metro Manila, the provinces of Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Lubang Island, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes were placed under Signal No. 2and these areas will experience winds of 60-100 kph, PAGASA said."---Inquirer (10/30/09, Papa, A.)
The Department of Education likewise has ruled, as a precaution, on temporary interruption of classes from elementary to high school at this time. (Photo Credit: Inquirer; Kevulike) =0=
UPDATED STORM WATCH:
As Typhoon Santi draws near land and gains speed, the weather disturbance has come closer to Quezon Province. Santi is expected to touch land on Friday evening according to a PAGASA bulletin at 1:30 PM on October 30, 2009. Storm signals have been hoisted on different areas, among the highest in Bicol Region:
Storm Signal No. 3
[100-185 kph winds]
Quezon
Polillo Islands
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Catanduanes
Storm Signal No. 2
[60-100 kph winds]
Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Ecija
Bulacan
Tarlac
Zambales
Pampanga
Bataan
Rizal
Cavite
Laguna
Batangas
Lubang Island
Oriental Mindoro
Marinduque
Albay
Burias Island
Metro Manila
Storm Signal No. 1
[30-60 kph winds]
Isabela
Ifugao
Nueva Vizcaya
Benguet
La Union
Pangasinan
Sorsogon
Occidental Mindoro
Calamian Group
Northern Samar
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Landslides cut off 6 Ilocos towns
As typhoon Ramil veers away from Philippine territory and heads away from the country, landslides which occurred on softened roads isolated the upland villages of San Emilio, Quirino, Pilar, Angki. Cervamtes, and Sugpon. The towns in the mountainous area in Ilocus Sur had roads that were buried by mudslides. At San Emilio, a bridge was destroyed by the flood.
Regional police director Ramon V. Gatan, Ilocos said the Cervantes-Quirino road is not passable to all types of vehicles after major landslides buried the highway in Quirino section. In Cervantes-Aluling road, Gatan said this major route was also cut off after it was washed out by floodwaters brought about by continued rains in the mountainous areas. A large portion of the road was also blanketed by mud and big rocks.
The major national road linking Ilocos Sur to Benguet along the Cervantes-Mankayan road was also not passable to all types of vehicles after it was covered by tons of mud and boulders brought about by landslides in the area. Gatan said they are monitoring the road condition to let the public aware of its situation.---Manila Bulletin (10/24/09, Supnad, M; Recuenco, A; , Ribaya, R. R.)
On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the thousands of residents who tried to evade the typhoon resumed their return for home. Fortunately, the storm did not reach land with much fury as feared by the weather bureau. (Photo Credit: Tina Manthorpe) =0=
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"How to help victims of tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana)"
NEW YORK – The Philippine Consulate General New York wishes to inform the public that, in accordance with the directive issued by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, all agencies of the Philippine Government have been mobilized to provide aid and assistance to the victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) which in six hours brought almost as much rainfall as is expected in a month to Southern Luzon. A State of Calamity has been declared in the capitol, Manila, and in 25 other provinces.
The Office of the President has put up Oplan Sagip Bayan, mobilizing government agencies through the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), civic groups, media agencies and other organizations, to provide immediate emergency assistance to affected communities at the local, regional and international levels.
Filipinos in the tri-state area and beyond have also expressed a desire to help. The Philippine Consulate General New York advices the community that they may course their donations in the Northeast region of the US to“Project Handang Tumulong”. Please make checks payable to “Handang Tumulong Fund” (with “Typhoon Ondoy” on the memo line), and send to:
PO Box No. 1362 Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 , c/o Filipino American Association of Fair Lawn, Inc. (with 501-c3 status; Tax ID No. 22-33-53102,) c/o Mr. Steve Parrado; or the Philippine Consulate General New York , 556 Fifth Avenue , New York, NY 10036 - c/o Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong
Those who wish to send their donations directly to the Philippines may do so through the following channels:
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)
NDCC Donated Funds
Current Account (Philippine peso) #0-00149-435-3
Swift Code: DBPHPHMM Account #36002016
Development Bank of the Philippines
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Branch
Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Philippines
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Contact Persons: Imee Rose Castillo / Rey Martija
(632-9312101 local 506-507 or 63-9517119)
US Dollar
Philippine Peso
DSWD Foreign Donationa
Account No. 3124-0055-81
ZIP Address: TLBPPHMMXXX
LBP Batasan Branch
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
DSWD Donation
Account No. 3122-1011-84
LBP Batasan Branch
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Account/s
US Dollar
Philippine Peso
Metrobank
Port Area Branch, Anda Circle , Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No. 151-2-151-00218-2
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM
Bank of the Philippine Islands
United Nations Branch, Ermita, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Acct: Savings
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Metrobank
Port Area Branch, Anda Circle , Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Act. No. 151-3-041-63122-8 MBTC
Type of Acct: Savings
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Port Area Branch, Port Area, Manila
Acct Name: The Philippine National Red Cross
Acct. No.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Acct: Current
Other queries and donations may be referred to the following agencies:
NDCC (Relief Goods / Rehabilitation Equipment)
Maj. General Glenn J. Rabonza
NDCC Administrator
Attn: Engr. Florentino Sison
Deputy Chief, Operation Division
Tel: (632) 9125979 / 9122665; Fax: (632) 9111873 / 9125668 / 9120984
Donation Drop Off Points
Pasay Area
National Resource Operation Center
Chapel Road, Pasay City
Attn: Mrs, Francia Fabian
(632) 8528081 / 63918-9302356
Quezon City Area
Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
DSWD Central Office
Attn: Rey Martiga or Imee Rose Castillo
632-951-7119 / 9517435
Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera at 63918-934-5625
Manila Area
DSWD_NCR
San Rafael corner Legarda St .
Quiapo, Manila
Attn: Director Delia Bawan
635-734-8622 / 734-8642
Medicines and/or medical and humanitarian missions may contact:
DR. VIRGINIA ALA
Chief, Bureau of International Health Cooperation
Department of Health
Attention: Ms. Noni Balbino
Chief, Technical Division
Tel: (632) 781-2843, Fax: (632) 781-8843
NGOs in the Philippines accepting monetary donations
1. ABC-CBN Foundation
Account Name: ABC-CBN Foundation Incorporation
Bank: BANCO DE ORO
Peso Account Number: 55630060113
Branch: BDO Mother Ignacia, Quezon City
2. GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Bank: METROBANK
Peso Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
Type of Account: Savings
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM
Updated information on relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities devastated by Typhoon Ondoy well as status reports on recovery operations for the victims are available on the website of the NDCC atwww.ndcc.gov.ph.
The Philippine Consulate General New York will be providing details on efforts of the Filipino community organizations in the Northeast USA as they become available. For more information on Project Handang Tumulong, please contact Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek at 212-764-1330 ext 306 or Cultural Officer Marievic Dimaculangan at 212-819-8655. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Rey Bruna/ Phil Airforce) =0=
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As the calamity fund dries up, human suffering continues in Manila's flood
Typhoon Ondoy and the Manila Flood
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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More casualties in RP's Typhoon Ondoy
The heavy rains and subsequent flood which swept Manila and neighboring provinces in the weekend brought a trail of destruction, disrupting lives and causing about 340,000 people to evacuate in 92 centers all over the country. The government reported deaths of at least 100 people, mostly due to drowning--- the aftermath of tropical typhoon Ondoy.
“Twenty-one died in Region III: nine in Bulacan and 12 in Arayat, Pampanga. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, one was killed in Kabugao, Apayao…
At the badly-hit Provident Village in Marikina, GMA News reported Sunday night that no less than 15 people had been found dead in the village. Among them were two children and six adults left by the roadside awaiting identification by family members who had been prevented by the flood from reaching them in time. Other residents were rescued Sunday after getting stranded for many hours.”---- GMAnew. TV (09/27/09, Dedace, S)
Drenched with rain, many people stranded for hours were rescued from the flooded streets and others were plucked from rooftops of houses. Villages were impassible to regular traffic in a flooding considered the worst in 42 years.
Airports temporarily cancelled flights as runways became water-logged. Electrical power disruptions were reported in various parts of the city. Businesses and stores in many villages in Manila were closed because of water damage.
Overall, the flood had been another warning that Filipinos need to step up their disaster preparedness. If not, more destruction and deaths couldn't be averted. (Photo Credit: Inquirer.net; YahoowNews/ AFP) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Record flooding in Manila by Typhoon Ondoy Posted by mesiamd at 9/26/2009
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400 missing in Taiwan mudslide
Typhoon Morakot lashed Taiwan in the weekend killing at least 14 people, destroying homes and rendering them inaccessible. Believed to be buried by a landslide, about 400 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the storm. A mountainside caved after 2 meters of rain caused flooding in the area. According to AP, 100 villagers were rescued last August 9, 2009.
A 6-storey hotel in Chihpen, Taitung, Taiwan tumbled down into a river when torrents of water destroyed the building’s foundation. Rescue teams were dispatched by the government, but bad weather partly hampered their operations in the affected villages. (Photo Credit: Kevulike) =0=
UPDATE August 11, 2009---At least 300 were so far rescued and brougt in a mountainous area in Kaohsiung from a place called Shiao Lin, but hundreds are still unaccounted for after the landslide, buried in thick mud. A Taiwanese rescue helicopter crashed with at least 3 people on board. =0=
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Flashfloods and landslides of Typhoon Kiko kill two Frenchmen and strand thousands
As a consequence of Typhoon Kiko, heavy rains and flashfloods occurred in various parts of the Philippines killing at least two Frenchmen and a Filipino guide who were swept by raging waters on their way to Mount Pinatubo on Thursday, August 6, 2009. Another Frenchman was reported missing.
In Baguio, three children died while two adults were hurt in landslides precipitated by rains and strong winds. A landslide between Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya stalled traffic in Putlan in Carrangla, Nueva Ecija. In Zambales, 365 families had to be evacuated when a dike broke. The flooding disrupted the lives of about 15,000 people in 8 villages. Assistance from the disaster response groups including that of the Philippine Air Force are underway. (Photo Credit: Junjun Tan) =0=
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8 die and 5 missing in tropical storm Jolina’s aftermath
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) announced that tropical Jolina brought casualties in Rizal, Iloilo, Antique, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, bringing a total of 8 dead and 5 missing.
"Jolina" affected 38,589 families or 160,038 people in 119 villages in 25 towns and five cities in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Mindoro Occidental, Palawan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Lanao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.”---GMA.newsTV (08/04/09)
Some property damage was reported. The Jaro River in Iloilo swelled, causing flooding in the area. As of this time, rains still fall in MetroManila since Saturday, August 1, 2009 as a result of the inclement weather. (Photo Credit: Mandysue797) =0=
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Swept by flood, electrocution & manhole drowning in Typhoon Isang
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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Tropical storm Feria brings flooding and deaths in RP
In the aftermath of the tropical storm “Feria,” comes the death of at least 8 persons, disappearance of 11 individuals and flooding in various parts of the country as reported by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Majority of those who disappeared are fishermen who braved the turbulent seas in Eastern and Central Visayas.
“The weather disturbance affected 44,401 persons in Batangas, Cavite and Quezon, Romblon, Albay, Masbate, Antique, Cebu, Leyte, Biliran, Western and Eastern Samar."---Philstar (06/26/09, Managhaya, J.)
As a result of the inclement weather some schools were temporarily closed.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 8,978 stranded passengers were recorded at 11 p.m. of June 24, 2009. However, only 1,389 remained hampered to travel as Feria left and headed northwards to Taiwan.
The PCG disclosed most of the stranded travelers were from 13 ports, mainly in the Bicol and Southern Luzon provinces. Of the 1,389 passengers, 370 were at the Batangas port, 200 in Pilar, Sorsogon and 165 people in Tabaco, Albay.
The damage to farmlands was estimated to reach P300,000 and P2.8 million to infrastructure. Photo Credit: Philstar/ Jonjon Vicensio) =0=
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Typhoon Emong’s death toll of 43, a drop in OFW employment and a rise in H1N1 flu
30%
Is the percentage drop in employment of land-based overseas foreign workers (OFW) last year observed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) compared to the previous 2007. This translates to only 216,803 newly hired workers in 2008 compared to 306,383 in 2007. Affected by the global economic crunch, the decrease in hiring of workers are noted in the leading countries that employ Filipinos.
"Saudi Arabia, the top destination, only had 76,148 new hires compared to 96,890 in 2007. Other markets in the Top 10 were Qatar, with 25,186 new hires (-13.3 percent); Taiwan, with 17,204 (-39.5 percent); Kuwait, with 10,107 (-38.7 percent); Hong Kong, with 8,333 (-62.6 percent), Canada, with 4,849 (-41.6 percent), Bahrain, with 2,882 (-30.9 percent), Italy with 2,288 (-56.4 percent) and Singapore with 2,276 (-38.2 percent)."---Inquirer (05/10/09, Aning, J)
P20 million
Is the estimated loss in a paper factory fire which occurred in the early morning of May 12, 2009 in Valenzuela, Metromanila. The origin of the fire was believed to come from highly combustible chemicals according to firefighters. Two people were injured as a result of the blaze.
4,694
As of May 11, 2009, this is the number of people infected by the H1N1 flu officially recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO.) It is believed that this number is lower than the actual people infected. There are now 30 countries reporting the swine flu.
84
The number of ferry passengers on board ML Ric-Ric were stranded for 12 hours at sea near Tubbataha reef in Palawan after the boat experienced engine breakdown. From t Puerto Princesa City on its way to Cagayancillo, the ferry sent distress signals which was caught by an Indonesian-bound vessel before rescue came along.
92
Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), 92 nurses together with 188 caregivers left last Sunday, May 10, 2009 from the Philippines to Japan to work. The standard salary of nurses in Japan is between 350,000 to 420,000 yen per month, but the Filipinos will only be paid about half--- between 150,000 and 180,000 yen per month according to Labor Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido.
Unless the nurses pass the licensure exam of the host country, the nurses are allowed only 3 years to work. They will start with retraining for 6 months and they have to learn Jaapanese before they can assume responsibilities on the job. Such adjustments remind the Philippines of the need to make jobs for its people so that they’ll not be forced to travel in faraway places in search for employment.
P781.7 million
The estimated damage caused by Typhoon Emong on agriculture crups, homes and infrastructures in the Philippines. The storm left a total of 43 dead and 13 missing from heavy rains, floods and landslides. The National Disaster Coordinating Committee (NDCC) said 34,626 families or 161,020 persons were affected by last week’s tropical cyclone which immediately followed “Dante”. There were 822 families or 4,142 persons stranded in evacuation centers as a result of the calamity. (Photo Credit:Jensm; Reinar) =0=
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235,887 Sorsogon residents displaced by Typhoon Dante
Sorsogon in Bicol was hit by the recent Typhoon Dante which left 26 people dead, 20 of them residents of Sorsogon City. The vicious storm caused the displacement of 43,215 families numbering about 235,887 people living in 220 villlages.
According the National Disaster Coordinating council (NDCC,) 174 evacuation centers were set up. Heavy rain, flood and strong wind destroyed homes and agricultural crops amounting to about P200 million. Sorsogon City, located in the southern part of Luzon, declared a state of calamity. Landslides resulted to the deaths of about a dozen people with others still missing. (Photo Credit: Kevulike)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Tropical depression ”Dante” brings death and destruction to Bicol Posted by mesiamd at 5/03/2009"
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Tropical depression ”Dante” brings death and destruction to Bicol
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) disclosed 2 deaths in Quezon Province and Camarines Norte as a result of tropical depression “Dante.” In Sorsogon, 6 people died and 18 were reported missing after a landslide in the town of Magallanes. Heavy rain was the cause of the land collapse which occurred in Friday, May 1, 2009.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), tracked the tropical depression which forced about 500 families to leave their homes in Lucena. In Bicol, 145 families or 725 people evacuated in Camarines Norte’s Vinzons Pilot Elementary School and Solong Elementary School in Catanduanes.
As this developed, in ports of Bataan, Catbalogan City, Northern Samar, Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Pio Duran in Albay; Bapor in Masbate; Pilar and Matnog in Sorsogon; and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, more than 3,500 passengers were stranded. Because of flash floods, some roads were impassable. The sea was rough and dangerous for travel. There was interruption of electrical power in some areas. Movement of passengers was temporarily suspended to protect the safety of the public. (Photo Credit: Mandysu797) =0=
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Frigid weather persists
Snowy cold weather still persists in states of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maine. Gusty frigid weather dominated New York with an accumulation of about 3 inches in the neighborhoods of the city today. Scattered snow showers which bring chills to commuters are expected tomorrow Wednesday, February 4, 2009. (Photo Credit: AFM)
Floods in Gingoog City, Northern Samar, and Misamis Oriental drive thousands to evacuate
The rain on Sunday, January 11, 2009 brought flash floods that forced 651 families (3,289 people) in Gingoog City scampering for higher ground. About 9 people were reported missing. The same heavy downpour caused waters to rise in Cagayan de Oro City in 23 barangays The same rain caused electrical power interruptions in these areas. Source: GMATV.News (01/11/09)
While Bicol Region is on a flood watch, rising waters washed away at least 20 homes and made a major bridge in Opol town in Misamis Oriental province closed to vehicular traffic.
In Northern Samar, thousands of people were driven out of their homes as rain water rose and landslides swept the area over the weekend. Many people living in low-lying places had to stay in evacuation centers as they waited for the flood to recede. Six people were reportedly killed when they were buried by landslide in a place called Ocad, Lavezares.
Such damages and human suffering brought by the wicked weather have become more common. Weather watcher Pagasa reports an unusual surge in rainful volume in the last few days which authorities believe may extend till February.
Factors like deforestation and increased population in flood- prone areas are also to blame in the spate of flood-related emergencies. Flood prevention programs like tree planting, dredging of rivers, and relocation of people must be a collective community effort. =0=
RELATED BLOG: “Bicol reforestation “ Posted by mesiamd at 12/16/2008
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Wintry blast in the Northeast
The first major winter storm came yesterday in the Northeast, blanketing New York with a slushy wet snow of up to about 4 inches. The cold weather marked the onset of a frigid weekend which made street walking inconvenient for the workers and holiday shoppers.
The sky was gray and lusterless without the sun the whole day. A mix of snow and rain battered the city and airports had to cancel about 800 flights, stranding many passengers. On the street in Astoria, the houses seemed to shudder in the biting cold, forcing residents to stay at home to keep warm. The wicked weather was also seen in places like Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Chicago, and New England. (Photo Credits: mesiamd; www.nydailynews.com/ Warga/ News) =0=
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