Although relatively weak compared to Typhoon Yolanda, ‘Ruby’ (Hagupit) wrecked havoc through the Visayas region which has left at least three people dead and over a million others affected according to various initial reports.
Two of the victims were identified as one year-old Thea Rojo of Balasan, Iloilo and Ernesto Baylon, 65, of Estancia Iloilo. This according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In a press briefing, NDRRMC executive director Alexander Pama disclosed that Estancia had died of hypothermia.
The other casualty was confirmed to come from the area of Dolores in Eastern Samar, where ‘Ruby’ made its initial landfall yesterday.
The NDRRMC is said to be expecting more reports of casualties from the area, although they have yet to be “validated”.
Ruby packed maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 20 km/h when it made landfall in Dolores town. It weakened as it made its second landfall on Masbate.
Latest reports show that a total of 195,537 families or 902,321 persons were affected by the typhoon. Out of this total, 192,951 families or 896,011 persons are currently being served inside and outside evacuation centers.
Typhoon Ruby is seen to make a 3rd landfall before dawn on Monday, December 8, on Sibuyan Island. It is expected to bring heavy rains and flooding in Metro Manila as it exits to the West Philippine Sea Wednesday morning, December 10.
