Tropical storm ‘Nando’ claims 1 fatality in Samar

MANILA, Philippines—Tropical storm “Nando” (international name: Kong-Rey) claimed its first casualty, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Wednesday.

Fernando Briones, 59, of Almagro in Samar died due to drowning, the NDRRMC said.

The storm first formed in the Visayas before it headed to extreme northern Luzon where it continues to pose a threat.

The NDRRMC said 2,700 persons were affected by the storm in Samar and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.

Seven villages in Ilocos Norte (Salabang, Nalasin, San Roque, San Juan, Cayubog, Sta Rita and Surgi) were reportedly experiencing recurring flooding.

One was also recorded injured, Weller Goso, 51, of Inararan village in Bulan, Sorsogon, who was swept away by strong water currents.

The Coast Guard also recorded 77 passengers stranded in ports.

The government has prepositioned P213.8 million worth of emergency relief for Nando, the NDRRMC said.

Nando continued to hover Batanes as of posting time, and is expected to exit Thursday.