Philippines preps for new storm
July 19, 2014
Officials in the Philippines announced on Saturday that the death toll from Typhoon Rammasun has climbed to 77. It had previously stood at 54. In addition, weather forecasts indicate a new weather pattern – tropical storm Matmo – could bring further rain over the coming days. The worst of the Matmo storm is predicted to miss the Philippines, however.
"(Matmo) has entered the Philippine area of responsibility. We should get ready now before the heavy rains fall," said Abigail Valte, a spokeswoman for President Benigno Aquino, in a broadcast on government radio.
Rammasun was at its peak in the Philippines on Tuesday, moving across Manila and other heavily populated areas. Over 100,000 homes were destroyed at a time when destruction from Typhoon Haiyan, which struck in November and claimed over 7,000 lives, is still evident in the country.
Large parts of Manila that had been without power for days came back online overnight, but officials warned that there would still be power cuts of up to five hours per day as the government seeks to ration supply. A number of power plants remain disconnected from the grid, and repairs to power lines could take a few more days.
Rammasun has since moved on to China's southern Guangxi region, which borders Vietnam.
mz/av (dpa, AFP)