MANILA, Dec 27 (NNN-ABN) – The death toll from Typhoon Phanfone, that pounded the central Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds beginning on Tuesday, climbed to 28, the government said on Friday (today).
The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said, 13 died in Iloilo, four in Capiz, two in Aklan, one in Cebu, one in Southern Leyte, two in Leyte, one in Biliran, three in Eastern Samar and one in Samar – provinces in the central Philippines.
At least 12 more are missing, the NDRRMC added.
Typhoon Phanfone, which made landfall on Tuesday afternoon, in Eastern Samar province, left a trail of destruction, as it swept across the central Philippines and areas off the southern tip of the main Luzon island. Huge flooding was reported in many areas.
The national disaster agency said, nearly 186,000 people in 584 villages, in the central Philippines, have been affected by the typhoon.
More than 2,000 houses and 55 schools were damaged by the typhoon, the agency said.
As of Friday afternoon (now), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said, Typhoon Phanfone is no longer directly affecting the country, in its latest report.
Phanfone is the 21st typhoon to barrel the Philippines this year.– NNN-ABN