Monday, October 3, 2011

Floods recede slowly in storm-battered Philippines

CALUMPIT, Philippines — Floodwaters slowly receded Monday in many parts of the northern Philippines after two typhoons that killed nearly 60 people, amid appeals for more boats to bring food and water to residents refusing to abandon inundated homes.

Mayor James de Jesus of worst-hit Calumpit town north of Manila said that at least 15 villages were still inaccessible and evacuation centers crowded with about 15,000 people.

As waters subsided, many residents staying on rooftops for days refused to leave their homes for fear of burglars and instead asked to be delivered food and supplies. Others who took advantage of rescue boats lined up in long lines with containers to get drinking water.

"For now we need rescue teams with rubber boats. We need to distribute food and water to the families stranded by the floods. I cannot reach all of them personally," de Jesus said in a radio interview. He also appealed for additional police to guard against looters, with some people complaining about stolen property.

 


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