Floods kill hundreds in Philippines
Victims are swept out to sea as killer floods tear through the south of the country during the night.
More than 400 people have died in flash floods and landslides in the southern Philippines, according to the country’s Red Cross.
The organisation put the death toll at 436 on Saturday, and military sources said hundreds of people were still unaccounted for.
Officials said many people were taken by surprise late on Friday when Typhoon Washi hit the island of Mindanao, sending huge waves through the region while residents were still asleep.
Some of the dead were swept out to sea in the coastal cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
Cagayan de Oro city councillor Alvin Bacal said 107 people had died in the flooding in his city alone, citing military figures.
In Iligan, 79 bodies were recovered after more than 12 hours of continuous rain caused a river to overflow and sent muddy floodwaters cascading from nearby mountains, Mayor Lawrence Cruz said.
About 250 people are unaccounted for in Iligan, said military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang.
Washi is the 19th storm to hit the Philippines this year, but Mindanao is rarely hit by the tropical storms that are common in other parts of the archipelago nation.
Officials said the floodwater rose one metre in less than an hour in some neighbourhoods that do not usually experience flooding, forcing scores of residents onto the roofs of their homes.
Authorities recovered bodies from the thick mud that was left behind after the water subsided. Parts of concrete walls and roofs, toppled vehicles and other debris littered the muddy streets.
Military Infantry Brigade Commander Roland Amarille said: “Our navy and coast guard are scanning the area, particularly between the river and the sea, and right now we are able to rescue 18 people. Our helicopters, they are also conducting relief operations right now.”
The social welfare department said about 100,000 people have been displaced and brought to more than a dozen shelters.
Foreign Office warning
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised Britons against all travel to the flood-hit region, and British nationals in the area are being urged to contact friends and relatives to let them know that they are safe. A spokeswoman said she was not aware of any British casualties or deaths.
Gwen Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, said: “We are expecting to receive a higher number of people who have died because we haven’t reached many areas yet.
“Not only that, but the floods have damaged properties and livelihoods.
“We are appealing for support because the need for help is really great on the ground. People have lost everything so we need sleeping materials, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, medicine and temporary shelter.”