Floods In Mindanao: Tropical Storm Sendong Kills 500 in CDO and Iligan (Photos)
At least 500 people are dead, more than 600 are still missing and more than 2,000 have been rescued in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City after a flashflood and landslide strucked the area following a 10-hours of rain caused by Tropical Storm Sendong in this part of the Philippines.
The vast majority of the bodies were found in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, according to military officials and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Five people were killed in a landslide, but all others died in flash flooding.
Benito Ramos, Chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the provinces of Compostela Valley and Zamboanga del Norte were also hit by Sendong while Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin revealed that they are still validating reports that an entire village was swept away. They also embarked 20,000 soldiers to do search-and-rescue operations in the area.
At least 20,000 people are now staying in 10 evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said Saturday.
Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz told GMA News, "It's the worst flood in the history of our city. It happened so fast, at a time when people were fast asleep."
President Benigno Aquino expressed concern at the extent of the tragedy and ordered government agencies to map out areas in the country most vulnerable to future flash floods.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama through Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent his condolences to the victims of this tragedy.
"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want to send my deepest condolences for the devastation and loss of life caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Washi. The US government stands ready to assist Philippine authorities as they respond to this tragedy." Clinton said in a statement.
Photos: Jerry Go Calimpong on FB
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