6 reported killed during onslaught of ‘Glenda’—Palace

This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) image obtained July 15, 2014 and taken by the JMA MTSAT-2 satellite at 0730Z on July 14, 2014 shows Typhoon Rammasun. AFP

MANILA, Philippines—At least six people were reported killed during the onslaught of typhoon “Glenda,” Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“Executive Secretary (Paquito) Ochoa and National Defense Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin, who is also National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair, reported that as of 4 pm today (Wednesday), there were 6 reported dead, 6 injured and 1 missing,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told media.

An earlier report by the Associated Press posted on this site reported at least seven people were killed as the typhoon roared through various areas of the country.

Coloma said President Aquino III also ordered the NDRRMC to “expedite clearing and recovery operations in typhoon-hit areas to ensure an early return to normalcy after typhoon Glenda made landfall in Bicol, Southern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon.”

Coloma added that reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways showed minimal flooding and no major damage to roads, bridges and buildings.

“Usec Alexander Pama, NDRRMC executive director, pointed out that the preparedness of local councils, headed by provincial governors and city and town mayors, was a major factor in minimizing casualties and injuries,” he said.

Other Cabinet members pointed out the “high level of citizen awareness and cooperation in heeding calls for them to seek shelter in evacuation centers before the storm struck.”

As the typhoon moves farther away from land, the government will now focus on price monitoring.

“MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino reported that clearing and recovery teams are working round the clock to clear major roads of debris and fallen electric posts and cables,” Coloma added.

The fatalities

In a report by NDRRMC, six people died as “Glenda” battered several provinces in Visayas and Luzon on Tuesday.

Reynaldo Hernandez, 49-year-old, died when a fallen tree crushed him in Bulacan.

In Lucena, a concrete wall from an adjacent house collapsed on the home of Neneth Artificio, 48, her pregnant daughter Arlyn Cabaleda, 20, and Adrian Artificio when “Glenda” hit Quezon province after making landfall in Bicol on Tuesday evening.

Lourdes Lim, 25 died when an electric post fell on her in Northern Samar.