At Least 7 Dead, 2 Missing As Tropical Storm Helen Strikes The Philippines

At least 7 dead, 2 missing as tropical storm Helen strikes the Philippines < br />

2012-08-17 07:22:55 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- At least seven people have been confirmed dead in the Philippines after tropical storm Helen struck the country's northern region, officials said Wednesday.

The Philippines' National Disaster RIsk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed on Wednesday the number of deaths, adding that at least two others were also reported missing.

Maximum sustained winds were registered at 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kilometers per hour, NDRRMC said, warning of possible flash floods and landslides in the affected areas, as well as big waves. Helen is forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon, causing further rainfall in Luzon and Visayas, as it is expected to move from the country on Thursday.

The deadly storm comes only a week after the monsoon weather killed over 100 people in the Metro Manila area and the surrounding regions, mostly due to rainfall and flooding.

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