The Philippine government has reported at least 25 casualties in the wake of Typhoon Ompong that hit Northern and Central Luzon.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Presidential Political Affairs Adviser and Ompong point person Francis Tolentino said that most of the casualties are caused by landslides in the Cordillera region.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that at least 20 casualties have been reported in the Cordillera region alone – seven from Benguet, six from Baguio, six from Mountain Province, and one from Kalinga.
On top of this, 13 people are still missing while 20 others sustained injuries.
As of 11 am, September 16, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that at least 250,000 people were affected by Ompong, dubbed as the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Saturday, September 15, that Ompong has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is expected to hit Hong Kong and China next.
Following the storm, President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Cagayan to personally check the situation there.
LOOK: President #Duterte aerial inspection | via Rocky Ignacio
Photo credits: Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go pic.twitter.com/n30Kp8JuZS
— People's Television (@PTVph) September 16, 2018
NOTE: Photo featured in the article was from Philstar.
