7 dead, 173K affected as 'Ramil' leaves trail of massive destruction

Tropical Storm "Ramil" left at least seven people dead and affected 173,000 individuals across four regions in Luzon and Visayas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday, Oct. 20.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

A total of 56,000 families or 173,000 individuals from Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Central Luzon (Region 3), Western Visayas (Region 6), and Eastern Visayas (Region 8) were affected by the storm's heavy rains and strong winds.

The NDRRMC said seven fatalities have been reported, with five being recorded in Calabarzon (Region 4A) and two in Region 6 due to storm-related incidents such as flooding and fallen debris.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ramil (international name: Fengshen) left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at 5:10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20.

PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said Ramil's exit will lead to gradually improving weather conditions across most parts of the country.

The fatalities from Ramil's onslaught included a family of five in Pitogo, Quezon, who were pinned to death due to a fallen buli tree, and two residents in Capiz who drowned while crossing a flooded street and river.