Philippine cyclone toll 30, 7 missing

Manila: At least 30 Filipinos are known to have died in the southwest monsoon enhanced by 3 tropical cyclones that triggered flash floods and landslides in the Philippines since last week, a Philippine government agency said on Saturday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 7 others are missing, either swept away by flash floods or buried in landslides. The massive flooding and landslides also resulted in 10 injuries. It validated 13 of the 30 fatalities. The NDRRMC reported over 1.46 million families, or 5.30 million people, were hit. The Office of Civil Defence said 88 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity to expedite efforts and facilitate access to resources. –IANS