‘Ramon’ death toll climbs to 9

MANILA, Philippines —Two more persons were confirmed dead in Romblon bringing the death toll from tropical depression “Ramon” to nine, authorities said Thursday.

Francis Rodeo, 9, was walking home along the beach in Barangay Sugod, Cajidioican, Romblon when he was swept away by a big wave, Office of the Civil Defense Region 4B Director Eugene Cabrera said in a phone interview.

The boy’s body was recovered Wednesday afternoon, Cabrera said.

A flashflood in Barangay Buli, San Agustin, Romblon left one person dead at around 9 a.m. Thursda. Hicban identified the victim as Julia Patnungon Doroy, Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, director of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council of region 4B, said.

Two others, identified as Pinky Zacarias and Dizon Gan, were also trapped in Agpulos Elementary School also due to the flashflood, he said.

Several landslide incidents in Region 4B were also reported.

One house was left totally damaged while seven others were partially damaged in a landslide \in Barangay Water, Baco, Oriental Mindoro, said Cabrera. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, another landslide happened in the villages of Maujao and Poblacion in Bulalacao town in Oriental Mindoro at 11 a.m. Thursday, Hicban said. No casualties were reported and all roads were still passable to all types of vehicles.

Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported seven persons were dead: four in Iloilo, two in Cebu and one in Butuan.