NDRRMC: ‘Bebeng’ death toll now 13

The death toll from tropical storm "Bebeng" (Aere) rose to 13 Monday night, while at least two people remained missing. In its 6 p.m. update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the 13 fatalities included nine in Bicol and two in Eastern Visayas. At least one fatality each in Calumpit, Bulacan and Las Piñas City in Metro Manila were also reported. The latest fatalities were identified as: * Roberto Hojilla, 33, of Pilar Village in Las Piñas City, whose body was recovered from a creek; * Alberto Tolentino, 59, of Purok 1 in San Miguel, Calumpit, Bulacan, who had a heart attack at the height of a tornado; and * Jesus Paloma, 45, of Camalig, Albay, who drowned in a Still missing are Agmeti Condat, 66, of Tiwi, Albay; and Rolandro Balandia of Nabua, Camarines Sur. Injured was Judy Llantero, 27, of Daraga, Albay.

The NDRRMC also said "Bebeng" affected at least 21,413 families or 111,938 people in 157 villages in 18 towns and five cities in seven provinces. Of these, 1,441 families or 7,129 people are still inside evacuation centers. Flash floods occurred along Alabang Riverside in Muntinlupa and Navotas Cities due to high tide. As of 3 p.m., 12 roads remained impassable in Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Some towns in Northern Samar still have no power, while Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur still have power interruption. But the number of stranded passengers began to go down, numbering 168 people, five rolling cargos and six motor bancas as of 3 p.m. Monday. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has prepositioned P3.38 million in standby funds and P32.41 million in relief supplies for areas likely to be affected by "Bebeng." 'Bebeng' heads north Tropical storm "Bebeng" (Aere) moved northward towards the Batanes area Monday afternoon. "Bebeng" was estimated at 50 km east of Tuguegarao City as of 4 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In its 5 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said "Bebeng" packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. PAGASA said "Bebeng" was moving north at 15 kph and is expected to be 120 km east of Basco, Batanes Tuesday afternoon, and 370 km north-northeast of Basco, Batanes Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday afternoon it is expected to be 140 km west of Okinawa, Japan. Areas under Storm Signal No. 2 include Cagayan and Isabela. Under Signal No. 1 are: * Aurora * Quirino * Ifugao * Mt. Province * Kalinga * Apayao * Babuyan * Calayan group of islands * Batanes PAGASA said "Bebeng" is expected to bring rains over the western section of Luzon. It reminded residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under signal 1 and 2 to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. Also, it said those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by "Bebeng." — KBK, GMA News