Dozens killed in violent tropical storm that unleashed floods and landslides in the Philippines

Weather of Arabia - The death toll from severe tropical storm "Nalgae", which unleashed floods and caused landslides in several parts of the Philippines, has risen to 72, a spokesperson for a government disaster management agency said today (Saturday).

The bulk of the deaths were in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, with 67 deaths recorded, said Rafaelito Alejandro, spokesman for the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. He added that at least 14 people are still missing.

Maguindanao is a county in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Home and Local Government Minister Najib Sinarimbo said nine towns in Maguindanao were severely submerged, and large parts of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were inundated for the first time in many years. This area has raised "our alert level to red" since Friday.

According to local media reports, a village in Datu Udin Sinsuat was buried by landslides, killing at least 50 people, after heavy rains throughout the night caused floods mixed with mud, rocks and trees that swept through the town.

It should be noted that "Nalgay" is the 16th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. He had struck Catanduanes, an island province in the Bicol region, before dawn on Saturday (October 29).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that "Nalgay" is blowing with winds of a maximum speed of 95 km / h, with gusts of 160 km / h on Saturday.

The National Bureau of Meteorology indicated that "Naljay" is moving west-northwest at a speed of 30 km / h. It is expected to intensify as it moves inland. It is expected to cross Metro Manila and its vicinity from early Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning.

The office warned of the possibility of floods and landslides caused by rain, especially in areas that are highly exposed to these risks and in areas that have previously received heavy rains.

The Philippines is reported to be one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, mainly due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Hurricane Belt. On average, this archipelagic nation experiences 20 cyclones annually, some of which are severe and destructive.

In April, Tropical Storm Meiji brought rain to the central and southern parts of the Philippines, inundating many areas and causing landslides, killing more than 220 people.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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