Typhoon Mina kills at least 6 in northern Philippines

Typhoon Mina kills at least 6 in northern Philippines

2011-08-27 23:12:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA (BNO NEWS) -- At least 6 people have been killed and several others remain missing after Typhoon Mina pounded the northern Philippines with heavy rains and high winds, authorities said on Saturday.

Two children aged 5 and 6 were killed after being buried in a landslide for almost two hours in San Fabian town in Pangasinan province, according to Benito Ramos, the Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In Baguio City, two other children aged 10 and 13 were killed when a section of the city dump collapsed, while a miner was crushed to death in a landslide.

In addition, the body of a 68-year-old male, who was previously reported missing, was retrieved by residents of Baras, Catanduanes. At least 7 people have been reported injured, while 6 other remain missing, Ramos said.

A total of 5,242 families were affected by Mina, which had maximum sustained winds of up to 165 kilometers (102 miles) per hour with gustiness of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour on Saturday afternoon. According to the national weather bureau, Typhoon Nanmadol, as it is internationally known, has now weakened and is moving at 7 kilometers (4 miles) per hour northwestward out of the country.

A total of 3,679 people have been forced to flee to evacuation centers, while about 25 people were reportedly stranded in Cagayan province. Tornadoes were also reported in Ilocos Norte province where at least 18 houses were damaged and in Biliran Province where three school building were seriously damaged.

Several areas in Northern Luzon were experiencing power failures after Mina's strong winds toppled electric posts and transmission lines. The heavy rains also triggered landslides that blocked roads in the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Cayagan, and others. In addition, at least 15 domestic flights were cancelled in the northern and eastern provinces due to bad weather.

Last month, at least 75 people were killed when Typhoon Juaning tore through several parts of the Philippines, including central and northern Luzon. Nearly two dozen children were among those killed.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-08-27