‘Egay’ death toll now 12

The death toll in the wake of typhoon "Egay," which slammed into eastern Taiwan yesterday, has reached 12, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday.

The new casualties were identified as Mariano Baros, 19, who drowned in Barangay San Vicente, Catbalogan, Samar last Monday; five-year-old Gerbie Amorante, whose body was recovered last Monday; and Peter Lucnad, who fell from a foot-bridge and drowned in Sablan, Benguet.

Amorante was earlier reported as missing after falling from a foot-bridge in Concepcion Pequena, Naga City.

The other fatalities were identified as Evelyn Navelgas, 50; Jocelyn Navelgas, 10; Dionisio Gonzaga, 3; Jaime Tubici, 29; and Demetrio Cabase, 52.

Gonzaga, Jocelyn and Dionisio were killed in a landslide in Sitio Macalapi, Barangay Libas, Leyte last Sunday.

The other fatalities were identified by the NDCC as Arvin Dacuma, 10; Lorna Dacuma, 27; Leo Tapalla, 30; and Mark Dacuma, 3, who all drowned after being swept away by strong currents while crossing the swollen Antiao River in Catbalogan, Samar last Sunday.

As of yesterday, only two persons were still missing in the typhoon’s wake. They were identified as Tirso Tubici and Frankie Dacuma, 5. — Mike Frialde, Artemio Dumlao and AFP