At least 7 people have died and 31 were rescued after 3 ferryboats separately capsized due to bad weather on Saturday, August 3, between a couple of central Philippine island provinces, the coast guard announced.
According to the police, at least 7 people are missing after their inter-island ferries either turned over or sank in the wind, rain, and rough seas between Iloilo and Guimaras provinces. A search by the villagers, police, and the coast guard was initiated.
The dead include 6 women and 1 man. One of the ferries (MB Chichi) was carrying around 42 passengers. Another ship (MB Keizha) reportedly had 4 crewmen, while the 3rd boat (MB Jenny) carried an unspecified number of people - rescued and brought on a coast guard vessel.
Forecasters warned of thunderstorms and heavy monsoon rains amid a brewing storm ~875 km (544 mi) off the eastern coast of the country.
Work and classes have been suspended in Manila City amid heavy rains and flooding, that caused major traffic jams on Friday, August 2, in low-lying areas in the capital.