MANILA, Philippines – The life of an 11-month-old girl was not spared as Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) made her way across Cavite province on Wednesday, July 16.

In a phone interview with Rappler, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the toddler was inside her home when a concrete wall fell, crushing her.

Remulla confirmed two other deaths in his province: a man living in a shanty and a 22-year-old man who was riding a motorcycle during the height of Glenda. He was killed after a phone pole fell on him.

The deaths had yet to be included in the data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council. 

Remulla has since declared a state of calamity over Cavite, which is still without power as of 3 pm Wednesday. The entire province was affected by the typhoon, Remulla added.

When an area is placed under a state of calamity, the government may control the price of basic necessities and prime commodities; grant no-interest loans; and tap into calamity funds.

Local government units (LGUs) may also accept importations and foreign donations with tariffs or taxes, authorize the importation of rice, give hazard allowances for public health workers, and science and technological personnel.

‘Intensely violent’

“It was intensely violent for 3 hours. It was a really short storm with minimum rain but the wind was strong,” said Remulla.

Over 1,080 families were evacuated in the province since Tuesday, July 15, in the evening. But now that Glenda has left Cavite, some families are already returning to their homes.

All major roads in the province are passable, although cleaning operations are still ongoing. Classes in all levels are still suspended so schools can clean up debris caused by the typhoon, said the governor. 

Remulla said recovery will come quickly, as soon as power is restored in the province.

“It was a great help that the storm forecast was correct. The DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) also communicated with us when it came to the planning and response so we’d have minimum casualties,” he said.

NDRRMC chief Undersecretary Alexander Pama earlier emphasized the importance of translation scientific data into “action.” Local government executives were given access to and educated on data and maps from science agencies.

“It’s part of the vocabulary of local government executives. It’s the new normal for us,” added Remulla. – Rappler.com