The ERRs of Frank

(PHOTO CAPTION) Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is being briefed by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez with microphone, on the damage of typhoon Frank in front of the terminal bldg., Kalibo Airport, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. With them are Vice. Gov. Billie V. Calizo, Hon. Rodson Mayor, New Washington Mayor Edgar Peralta, Sen. Mar Roxas, Kalibo Airport Manager Percy Malonesio, and DSWD Sec. Cabral. GMA later presided the distribution of relief packages to the typhoon victims of Kalibo.

Frank is described as the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines. It was the worst typhoon to hit Aklan province in a century. Frank brought the deepest flood in Aklan, whirlwind at a speed of 140 – 170 kilometers per hour which damaged trees, public and residentiall buildings and public infrastructure; and it killed and injured people.

Flood carried with it 8 inches to one foot deep mud that buried Poblacion, Kalibo and a part of the town of Numancia. “Kaean-an Sa Kalye” at Pastrana Park, Poblacion, Kalibo was transformed into a paddy field after flood water subsided on Sunday, June 22 with soil ready for transplanting rice. The commemoration of the feast of Saint John the Baptist on June 24, the Patron Saint of Kalibo was put off as his devotees were busy clearing their houses of mud and debris. They washed clothes, cleaned furnitures, salvaged appliances. The vehicles were rendered inoperable as it were submerged in flood water and mixed with mud.

Princess of the Stars

In Sibuyan Island, Romblon, a 23–ton M/V Princess of the Stars of Sulpicio Lines sank with about 800 passengers and crew members at the height of Typhoon Frank. Of the passengers and crew, some 700 passengers sank with it with less than 100 survivors.

Officials of Sulpicio Lines blame PAGASA officials for feeding them wrong information. As M/V Princess of the Stars left North Harbor, Manila, Typhoon Signal No. I was hoisted over Metro Manila and its route on its voyage to Cebu City. When it reached Romblon, the ship encountered huge waves and strong wind of Typhoon Frank Signal No. III. M/V Princess of the Stars ran aground off Sibuyan Island, then capsized on Saturday, June 21.