‘Maring’ death toll rises to 43; 16 missing

Rescuers from the Suyo police station in Ilocos Sur recover the body of a girl swept away Oct. 11 by floods due to Storm “Maring.” (Photo courtesy of Suyo police station)

MANILA, Philippines — The number of people left dead by Severe Tropical Storm Maring (international name: Kompasu) has risen to 43, more than a week after it left the country, making it the deadliest weather disturbance so far to hit the country this year.

The death toll may increase further with at least 16 people still reported missing as of Friday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Ilocos Sur province recorded the most number of fatalities at 16, followed by Benguet with nine, Pangasinan (seven), Palawan (five), Cagayan (three), La Union (two) and Ilocos Norte (one).

Of the 14 cyclones, which entered the country this year, Maring recorded the most number of deaths, followed by Typhoon Jolina in September with 17; and Tropical Storm Dante in June with 11. —Dexter Cabalza