11 dead in Visayas, Mindanao due to heavy rains brought by ITCZ

MANILA, Philippines—At least 11 persons were killed from heavy rains spawned by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said two died of drowning in Western Visayas. They were identified as Quennie Ymon, 5; and Ceferiano Nietes.

In Central Visayas, six were killed according to Minda Morante, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense. Five were from Bayawan City in Negros Oriental.

The fatalities included a pregnant woman, identified as Maricel Escora Rogodo, who was swept away by floodwaters; and a policeman, identified as Police Officer 1 Rodelyn Gonzaga, who was involved in rescue operations.

Bayawan City was hardest-hit, with widespread flooding in the area from rains that started on Friday.

Two were still missing.

In Zamboanga City, three were killed from the rains. OCD director Adriano Fuego said the three, identified as Roel Patrocino, 17; a certain Mrs. Torres and her maid from San Jose village were all killed from drowning.

As of Monday afternoon, there were more than 90,000 persons affected in Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen according to NDRRMC.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned P82.636 million of emergency relief resources.