NDRRMC: 'Egay' death toll climbs to 2, 1 still missing

The death toll from Tropical Depression Egay (international code name Haima) rose to two late Tuesday after a girl earlier reported missing was confirmed dead. In its 5 p.m. Tuesday update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council identified the fatality as Dorina Reyes, 5. Dorina, a resident of Tipo village in Dinalupihan town in Bataan, was initially reported missing. Her sister Mary Joy, 3 was earlier reported to have died due to drowning. Still missing is Ariel delos Santos, 15, of Purok 5 in Old Cabalan village in Olongapo City in Zambales. Egay had enhanced the southwest monsoon that dumped rains on parts of the country last weekend. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard has started preparing for Tropical Depression Falcon, which intensified into a cyclone while in Philippine territory Tuesday. The Coast Guard said all its districts were given authority to maintain or increase their respective alert levels depending on their assessment on the situation and the prevailing condition in their respective area of responsibility. PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag directed his men to ensure a high state of preparedness, the Coast Guard said on its website. Coast Guard district commanders were also directed to take more proactive steps in notifying or recalling fishermen before the onset of or during severe weather conditions. — RSJ, GMA News