Laguna death toll rises to 5

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll in the province of Laguna which has been placed under a state of calamity due to severe rains and massive floods rose to five on Wednesday.

 
Laguna Governor Jorge “ER” Ejercito said the fatalities were Christian Curiano of Binan City, Alberto Madarang of Calamba City, Ernesto Flores of Alaminos , Edwin Ramos of  Pila and Teodoro Flores of San Pablo City.

 
Except for Flores who died after being hit by a falling coconut tree, all drowned amid heavy rains and floods in the province.

 
Local officials are now searching for a 17-year-old male from Calamba City who has been reported missing.

 
The calamity has affected 50,359 families or an estimated 217,420 individuals, said Ejercito, adding that 14 municipalities along with four cities and 169 villages were badly hit by the weather disturbance.

 
Relief assistance was underway for the province’s 152 evacuation centers, he said, adding that local officials were still busy making sure that the needs of evacuees are being addressed. There are 11,972 families or 48,389 individuals staying in these evacuation centers.
Rescue operations also continued for areas which are difficult to reach Wednesday. These areas, where some individuals have been stranded, sit near Laguna de Bay.