'Ondoy'
leaves 95 dead; 247,555 affected by floods (The Philippine Star) Updated
September 28, 2009 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm “Ondoy” (international
codename: Ketsana) left the country yesterday, leaving behind a
trail of 95 people dead, 29 missing, and some 247,555 affected
families.
The figures, however, could go higher as reports from the
provinces have yet to reach the National Disaster Coordinating
Council (NDCC) as of press time.
Rescuers struggled through heavy traffic and darkness of the
night to bring residents of flood-stricken areas, who were perched
on their roofs carrying their children and cherished possessions,
to safer grounds.
Images of onrushing mud and stranded people clinging to
corrugated rooftops filled television screens broadcasting the
events in real time.
Some individuals were even seen holding signs in a desperate
attempt to call the attention of military helicopters hovering
above waterlogged cities.