Typhoon “Rai” hit land last week and left a trail of devastation. The death toll continues to rise.
Manila – The number of deaths after the violent typhoon “Rai” in the Philippines continues to rise. According to new information, at least 208 people were killed and 52 more were still missing, the police said.
According to the disaster control of the Southeast Asian island state, more than 480,000 people had to be housed in evacuation centers. Many are homeless until further notice. According to the authorities, “Rai” was the strongest typhoon so far this year in the Philippines.
After the tropical storm – known locally as “Odette” – had moved on on Saturday, rescue work in the devastated areas was stepped up. 129 deaths were recorded in the central region of Visayas alone, and 41 more in the southern region of Caraga, according to the police.
“Rai” hit land last week with wind speeds of up to 195 kilometers per hour and left a trail of destruction. Numerous houses were razed to the ground, as were fields and crops. The storm also disabled power and communications lines, and isolated some islands and cities.
The Philippines is hit by an average of around 20 typhoons each year. The worst typhoon so far, “Haiyan”, killed more than 6,300 people in November 2013. dpa
