5 dead, 6 missing from ‘Maring’

Residents clean their submerged belongings in Noveleta, Cavite on Wednesday following the onslaught of Typhoon Maring.INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The death toll from Tropical Storm “Maring” rose to five, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Wednesday.

“Nakakalungkot may balita na bagamat hindi napakalakas ng Maring at nagpatuloy lamang ang pag-uulan ay may five confirmed fatalities dahil sa bagyong ito,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said in a press briefing.

Two of the fatalities were recorded in Taytay; 1 from Lucena; 1 from Pasay and 1 from Silang, Cavite.

The search for six missing persons in Laguna also continued, she said.

Marasigan said 159 areas were flooded from National Capital Region and Calabarzon, but most flood waters in these areas have subsided.

“Karamihan naman dito ay humupa na ang baha pero may mga areas pa rin na hindi madaanan dahil sa minor slides,” she said.

Some 488 passengers remained stranded in ports and are awaiting clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard to resume seaport operations.

She said NDRRMC Executive Secretary Ricardo Jalad personally went to Calamba, Laguna to check firsthand the effects of the storm.

Maring is on its way out of the Philippine area of responsibility as of Wednesday noon.

It drenched parts of Calabarzon, National Capital Region and Central Luzon with its heavy rains, prompting the suspension of government work and classes, as well as cancellation of several domestic flights. /je