By Xinhua,
Manila : At least seven people were killed and thousands forced to leave their homes as tropical storm “Halong” swept across the northern Philippines over the weekend, the Philippine Star reported Monday.
The national newspaper quoted the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the national disaster relief agency, as saying that the identities of the three dead remained unconfirmed.
NDCC spokesman Anthony Golez said the victims were mostly killed by electrocution or fallen objects such as trees and iron sheets.
“Halong”, locally known as “Cosme”, landed in Panganisan Province of northern Philippines on Saturday, bringing heavy rainfalls to the Luzon island. At least 7,000 houses were destroyed by the tropical storm. Many infrastructures were damaged and power was temporarily cut off.
Local weather bureau said “Halong” is weakening while moving further eastwards and is expected to leave the country on Monday afternoon.