- Typhoon Vamco (local name Ulysses) has caused massive flooding in the Philippines.
- Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro called the situation “overwhelming” as many residents had to be rescued from their rooftops while lacking resources.
- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assured the public that the national government “will not leave anybody behind.”
Goni, the world’s most powerful typhoon of the year, caused massive destruction on the Philippines early this month, leaving thousands homeless and claiming at least 25 lives. As if that wasn’t enough, another devastating typhoon just hit the country, causing the worst flooding in years in many areas in Manila.
Typhoon Vamco (local name Ulysses) is” the 21st cyclone to hit the Philippines this year” and it resulted to “tens of thousands” of homes being submerged in flood waters.
Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) brought widespread flooding in Marikina and many other areas in the Philippines.
In an Inquirer report, we learn that about 40,000 homes have been affected by flooding in Marikina City, one of the worst-hit areas.
Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro told a local radio station that the situation is truly “overwhelming.”
The official admitted that the local government “cannot handle this” as he requested for additional motor boats and airlifts to be used for rescue operations.
Vamco also destroyed power lines, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.
Meanwhile, this is the scenario in Rizal as captured on camera by netizen Jell LA Morena:
According to CNN Philippines, the Philippine National Police has reported 13 deaths, so far – with “two in Metro Manila, six in Cagayan Region, one in Central Luzon, one in Calabarzon, two in Bicol Region and one in Cordillera Region.”
In a message delivered to the public soon after the disaster struck, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said:
“I guarantee you that your government will do its best to provide assistance in the form of shelters, relief goods, financial aid and post-disaster counseling… The government will not leave anybody behind. We will get through this crisis. I assure you as one nation let us all hold on and help one another.”
As of this writing, typhoon Vamco has already left the Philippine area of responsibility and weather experts are predicting that the country may still experience 3 or 4 more tropical cyclones before the year ends.