'Helen' leaves 7 dead, 2 missing

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical storm “Helen” has left at least seven people dead, mostly due to drowning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday.

The fatalities were identified as:

Jonaphe Pandosen, 50, Baguio City
Ekmer Domines, 42, Baguio City
Fernando Dingayen, 49, Apayao

Savino Mosquite, 44, La Union
Princess Jamon, 1, Ilocos Norte
Armando Borbon, 37, Pangasinan
Andrew Batara, 47, Ilocos Norte

Disaster management officials also said two others, identified as Rodolfo Tayas and Winifredo Tojon of Camarines Norte, remain missing.

The storm battered northern Luzon with heavy winds and rains, triggering floods and landslides in La Union, Isabela, Cagayan and Benguet.

It comes a week after monsoon rains and floods killed more than 100 people in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

NDRRMC said the storm has affected a total of 5,040 families or 20,807 persons in Regions 1, 3 and CAR.

More than 2,500 families are now taking shelter in 19 evacuation centers.

State weather bureau PAGASA said “Helen” is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday.