Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The death toll from floods caused by monsoon rains that hit Manila and several provinces of the island of Luzon rises to 16, where 72-hour non-stop rains. Besides the capital of the provinces most affected are Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, with over 90 municipalities flooded by the waters. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, there are nearly 1.5 million displaced, of which about 700 thousand are sheltered in evacuation centers and other makeshift shelters organized by rescue teams and local communities.
Benito Ramos, head of the department for natural disasters, says "rescue operations are on maximum alert. Although in many areas the water has stopped rising, millions of people are stranded on the roofs of their houses." He explains that many people refused to leave their homes for fear of looters. In the areas most at risk rescue personnel brought aid from house to house. Today, President Benigno Aquino has asked the population to work together and be supportive. "The government - he said - does not have infinite means" and what it does have must be reserved for those most in need.
Yesterday, the authorities allocated 300 thousand Euros in humanitarian aid. The rescue personnel is supported by more than 5 thousand soldiers and coast guard.
Today, meteorologists have announced an improvement in the coming days, even if it continues to rain in many areas, especially in the northern provinces of the country. Last week the island of Luzon was hit by Typhoon Saola that claimed over 50 lives. The flooding of recent days is the worst since 2009.