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Philippines storm toll crosses 200
Philippines News.Net
Monday 28th September, 2009 (IANS)
Philippine authorities were struggling Monday to help hundreds of thousands of people displaced by devastating floods in the capital and outlying areas as the death toll topped 200.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the government was focussing on providing relief to nearly 500,000 people affected by tropical storm Ketsana.
'Right now, we will concentrate really on providing food and other necessities,' he said.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council reported that 100 people had been confirmed killed in floods, landslides and accidents caused by Ketsana.
But a tally of casualties reported by local officials, rescuers and police showed the death toll has already reached at least 212.
The fatalities included 75 from metropolitan Manila, 85 from nearby Rizal province, 24 from the northern province of Bulacan and 12 from the province of Pampanga.
Teodoro said the official death toll was still expected to rise as reports trickling in from the affected areas were verified.
Anthony Golez, a spokesman for the Disaster Coordinating Council, said more than 8,000 people had been rescued from their inundated homes since floods submerged a large portion of the capital Saturday.
But Golez admitted that more people could be waiting for help as rescue operations were being hampered by strong currents in the flooded villages.
'We don't have the numbers, but what we can tell everybody is that help is on the way already,' he said.
Golez said the national and local governments were overwhelmed by the massive destruction.
'We are used to helping one city, one or two provinces, but now, they are following one after another,' he said. 'Our assets and people are spread too thinly.'
Amid continuing appeals for help from affected residents, some of whom have become angry, officials called for patience.
'We feel their anger and pain, but it is physically impossible to reach each and every one with the conditions that we face,' Teodoro said. 'The challenge now is to get food to everyone.'
The council said it has launched a rapid assessment to determine the most urgent needs of the flood victims and whether the government needs to seek more international aid.
Various United Nations agencies, the US, Japan and China have already provided emergency assistance to the victims.
More than 110,000 people were in evacuation centres after Ketsana caused the heaviest rainfall in Manila in more than 40 years, turning major highways into raging muddy rivers. Hundreds of vehicles were submerged and overturned by the floods while debris littered the streets.
Damage to property and agriculture was estimated at 108.92 million pesos ($2.32 million), according to the council.
The weather bureau said Ketsana has left the Philippines and was on its way to Vietnam but warned that two more tropical depressions were threatening to affect the country in the next two or three days.  Email this story to a friend
Comments on this story
nightingalephillip@yahoo.com
09-28-09, 08:02 AM |
Philippines storm toll crosses 200
to all the people in manila and surrounding cities in the philippines ,,my condolences to those who lost family members,cousins,and relatives ,i live in australia and i feel very sorry for all of your loss,i have a very very close friend in the philippines who is filipino that i love very deeply and i was worried about her ,but she and her family are ok,i hope to see soon ,as i said i feel very sorry for all your loss...regards phillip
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Anonymous
09-28-09, 08:42 AM |
praying for you
We are praying for you. My wife is a Filipino and we have relatives in Pamanga. We are not sure if they are all safe yet. Our love goes out to all those who have lost family and friends and are now frightened and feel alone. The world is hearing of your trouble and people will respond. Your governement has issued an appeal and we will be spreading the news of your needs.
Our hearts are breaking for your loss and we pray God will answer our call as well.
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ferrante@charter.net
09-28-09, 08:55 AM |
Concerned about Odiongan, Romblon
My wife and I send our prayers and condolences to those who lost family, friends & suffered property damage. I am sure the government is doing whatever is possible to help those in dire need. God bless you all.
I wonder if the storms have struct Odiongan, Romblon. I see no news about Odiongan.
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Anonymous
09-28-09, 09:46 AM |
My thoughts are with you.
My heart goes out to all Filipinos in the flooded area and to all those in the World who have friends or relatives there. The floods bring a terrible price for living in a paradise. My deepest sympathy to all who have suffered loss of life or home.
I wish you all the swiftest possible recovery from this disaster.
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Elbiba
09-28-09, 10:17 AM |
These tears are for you ~
My heart breaks when I see the photos and the video-clips of calamitous situation in Philippines due to the Ketsana, questioning under my breath, why did this catastrophe happen to the precious people with beautiful eyes like yours.
......
I am sorry I can’t not be there to help you and work with you through this most difficult time, with my sleeves rolled up and everything but I am with you in my heart and I will pray for you~
Sending my genuine condolences to the families of the people passed over during the rainstorm.... I am sure they’ve already found good places in heaven.
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Anonymous
09-28-09, 11:55 AM |
Thwe Philippines goverment must update the drain system in Manila and the surrounding provinces.Instead of fixing the infractures of the country the goverment official care more about the political future of the leaders of the country.The Pilipinos people must understand it must be done to avoid future disasters.Levies must be constructed as well as the drainage system of the country.Squaters must be remove from Manila and suburban area.Trash must be dispose in the manner it will not hinder the drain system of the country.
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lynn RK
09-28-09, 01:46 PM |
to my mother and sisters
If anyone can read this.my mother and sisters lived in floodway and TayTay rizal.pls let them know, I have been trying to calling them. but no answered the cell phone.I am sure the house it’s under the water right now.I won’t stop calling until I heard from you all.(Bebang Pondang.or till AJ to leave a msg at yahoo. thank you.
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jr sanguyo
09-28-09, 02:42 PM |
this is no good
im based in united states i keep calling my family but i cant get hold of them, i dont know whats happening to them.
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bh
09-28-09, 03:08 PM |
San Mateo Rizal
Does anyone know if Monterey Hills Sub division in Rizal received any damage?
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bing
09-28-09, 05:34 PM |
San Mateo Rizal
I just talk to my sister who live in Tierra Monte Subd. San Mateo Rizal They are okay not much damage.
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asiong
09-28-09, 05:36 PM |
re disaster mitigation policy
Anonymous is right. THE government, both local and national, as well as the people themselves, never gave proper attention to solve flooding problems in our country. Though its widely known and accepted we are frequently visited by storm yearly, we are almost always in the same situation, no improvement. It even has been accepted as a way of life amongst us.
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Anonymous
09-28-09, 05:40 PM |
Sto Nino Marikina City
Still trying to find out situation of my family. can’t get hold of them.
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Wolverine
09-28-09, 05:51 PM |
We always break through anything with a smile...
Im an OFW in UAE, me too have a family in Rizal, through my previous experience with typhoon & floods, it is in this worst times that we as a filipino show our best, forget politics and other petty difference our country needs us, i am calling on those who are at one time called themselves filipinos please help those who at one time you called kababayan and maybe it may find yourself again.
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In HIS Service.
09-28-09, 06:50 PM |
Hope
It is a time to seek the one true living GOD.. Call on JESUS for help. Do not harden your heart because of adversities. Do not let anger be your portion. Let hope rise up in you in your darkest hour. It is a time to forgive all, to come together in unity. Your neighbours need you and your help in prayer and other supports. Forgive all that your sins will be forgiven. Reach out to your neighbours, together you will find hope. Hope does not fail, hope help you to overcome all things. Hope takes action when you are hit the hardest in life. GET UP, GET UP, GET UP ( May JESUS, GOD and The HOLY SPIRIT help all who call on HIM this day I pray in JESUS name). (And may the mercy of the only true and liveing GOD be on all other in JESUS name I pary).Amen!
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Always Concerned
09-28-09, 07:33 PM |
Better Flooding Control
This and all continual flooding in the Philippines would not be as bad if government officials and the People all over the Country would ensure trash is not left to build up in the lakes, rivers, other water ways and other areas in communities that has clogged up these water ways,
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Always Concerned
09-28-09, 07:34 PM |
Better Flooding Control cont...
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Roz
09-28-09, 07:34 PM |
need news from Marikina
my brother’s family lives by the Marikina river and am trying to get hold of them to no avail.
I will try again tonight. I hope and pray they survive this terrible calamity
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merliza_gonzales@yahoo.com
09-28-09, 11:52 PM |
Praying this wont happen again..
the worst ever happen to the Philippines praying this wont happen again. I would like to extend my condolences to those lost family and friends. Always bear in mind the God has plans for us. Stand up dont just give up we’re all praying to all of you!
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poeused
09-29-09, 02:16 AM |
Comfort for God's People
Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
God bless Pilipinas!
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fely
09-29-09, 04:18 AM |
seeking for breadth as i read the flash news!
am a filipina working here in italy, tho my family is down in there in the south, but the affected are my brothers and sisters.....at the moment r my fervetn prayers ......
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Baby Zhevonne
09-29-09, 06:36 AM |
My heart is for you..
My heart breaks when i heard about this catastrophe happen to Manila.. i question why this happen?
A person whom i suppose to meet 4 weeks ago had to fly to Philippines before i had the chance to go to the airport to fetch him. He works as an expat there.
I miss him dearly and couldn’t reach him in any sort of communications. i hadn’t heard any news from him since 4 weeks ago and it really troubles me when i heard Ketsana hits Manila.
I don’t know where he is right now, i miss him so very dearly and still could hear his last whisper to me.. My prayers goes to all people who are affected and may God with us in our prayer..
To my dear Baby Riz.. please..give me a call..
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Mina
09-29-09, 10:49 PM |
Psalm 91
Everyone should pray this prayer for yourselves and your loved ones: Psalm 91. It could mean the difference between life and death!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord,
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frilady
10-02-09, 11:04 AM |
Do what you can
I live in Hong Kong
Today I went to the local market and bought underwear to send to Manilla and also looked through all clothes and toys in our family that can be donated via the Phillipino church here in Hong Kong. I also had a some medicine, like painkillers and antihistamine. My helpers mother is a minister for the church and I trust that is the best way to send help. There has been so much money and resources lost on the way before.
-If you have lost your home there is nothing left.
Please think how you can help instead of blaming. The children and babies have not voted!
Think if you were sitting in a shelter with your children, no possessions, no privacy, not enough water and food.
Choose a way you trust will lead to those in need and send your help with your prayers.
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