Philippines: Tropical-storm Tembin kills about 180 on Mindanao Island
Ferocious tropical storm Tembin has wreaked havoc across the southern part of the Philippines. At least 180 people are reportedly dead with several more reported missing. To make matters worse, heavy rains have caused flash-flooding and mudslides in parts of the Mindanao island. Although tropical storms are regular in the Philippines, Mindanao is not affected very often. Let's see what's happening on the ground.
Storm Tembin's path of destruction
Storm Tembin, named Vinta in Philippines started affecting Mindanao on Friday. It reportedly carried wind gusts up to a speed of 80 km/h and destroyed the towns of Tubod and Piagapo. Later, it made a second landfall on the Balabac island in Palawan archipalego. According to forecasts, it will next move to the Spratly Islands and hit south Vietnam in about 3 days.
Storm Tembin claims many lives
Speaking to AFP, an official stated that at least 10 people had died in Piagpo. According to official sources, there were at least 127 fatalities in the Lanao del Norte and 50 deaths in the Zamboanga peninsula. 18 casualties were reported from Lanao del Sur, which had witnessed a bloody battle between the government and Islamic militants this year.
Damage to property
In Tubod and Piagpo, a number of homes were reportedly buried by boulders. According to ground reports, an entire village named Dalama was wiped out by flash-floods. "The river rose ....The village is no longer there," stated a police official in Tubod.
What next?
Rescue-workers are prioritizing the impoverished region of Lanao del Sur so far. According to an official, only little progress has been made with relief efforts. Destruction of power and communication infrastructure are also reportedly hampering work. Andrew Morris, a UN official notes that many of the affected areas could be prone to diseases. He highlights restoring water-supply as a top-priority.
