Nearly 500 people were killed as powerful typhoon Bopha lashed the southern part of the Philippines.
Reports say at least 151 people died in the worst-hit province of Compostela Valley in Mindanao when Typhoon Bopha lashed the region Tuesday.
More than 70 villagers and soldiers also reportedly perished in a flash flood that engulfed emergency shelters and a military camp in the region.
Reports say Typhoon Bopha or locally called “Pablo” smashed into the Philippines on Tuesday uprooting trees and power lines. Strong winds blew off roofs of some buildings and houses as well.
Emergency warnings were sounded, forcing more than 40,000 people to flock into shelters for safety and to escape the strongest storm to hit the country this year.
With the death toll continue to rise, the United States of America today offered its condolences for the destruction and loss of life in the southern Philippines and the widespread damage to populated areas in Palau caused by Typhoon Bopha.
In his remarks in Washington DC, Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner says the US government is working closely with authorities in both countries to offer additional assistance as needed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.” – Mr. Toner
In December 2011, the tropical storm “Washi” brought torrential rains which triggered flash floods and landslides in Cagayan de Oro. The storm was also known locally as Sendong.
“Washi” has killed nearly 1,000 people and left hundreds of thousands of residents of the island of Mindanao in need of humanitarian assistance.
Nearly 48,000 houses were damaged and the livelihoods of as many as 625,000 people were affected. More than 550,000 were forced out of their homes.
