MANILA– At least 13 people died today, and many others were missing, after a strong overnight downpour flooded a number of towns in Maguindanao province, in southern Philippines, a local official said.
Citing initial report, Nasrullah Imam, head of the Maguindanao provincial disaster risk reduction and management office, said, the 13 died from drowning or landslides. The office is still assessing the situation.
Maguindanao is a province located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Local media reported, the heavy rain is related to the tropical storm Nalgae, that is expected to make a landfall this Sunday, on the main Luzon island. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Nalgae is expected to strengthen into a severe tropical storm today, and into a typhoon by tomorrow.
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries globally, mainly due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Pacific typhoon belt. On average, the country experiences 20 typhoons yearly, some of which are intense and destructive.
Source: Nam News Network