Typhoon Emong Leaves 20 Dead in Northern Luzon

MANILA, May 8 (PNA) -- At least 20 persons died and many others were injured as typhoon "Emong" battered Northern Luzon with strong winds and heavy rains, relief and disaster response officials said today.

Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said 12 fatalities were initially reported from the worst-hit Pangasinan, where he conducted an aerial survey to check on the damage caused by the howler.

Teodoro said he also received an initial report that eight persons died in Ifugao.

As of 5 p.m., the Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera Administrative Region said 10 died, eight were injured and two were missing because of landslides in Ifugao.

Teodoro said eight people were injured in Pangasinan and some others were missing.

The OCD-Region III (Central Luzon) reported two deaths, including four-year-old Ashley Masalina who drowned.

Teodoro said the casualty figures in Pangasinan were initial because authorities were having difficulty going to Bolinao and Anda towns.

"Frankly speaking, it's devastated...The damage was massive. I saw fallen (electric) posts in Bolinao, causing power outages in the province," he said.

"The casualty is quite big even if we sent out warnings," said Teodoro, adding that the victims were living in coastal areas. Also, he said that the wind caused by "Emong" was so strong that even wooden walls of houses were toppled.

Teodoro said troops from the Army's 7th Infantry Division and Police Regional Office 1 have been sent to the region to clear the roads in the province which have been rendered impassable because of fallen trees and electric posts.

The NDCC chair said he has informed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the initial casualties and damages caused by "Emong" through telephone while he was in Pangasinan. He said the President ordered the provision of assistance to those affected.

"The President said that we should hasten our efforts in serving the people immediately because they need foodstuffs, water, tarpaulin for temporary shelter and medicines," said Teodoro while assuring that they have enough stocks to serve those affected.

Teodoro said the relief operations in Pangasinan may take a while, considering the extent of the damage. (PNA)