By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The death toll from Typhoon Rai has climbed to 375 in the Philippines, with humanitarian workers reporting “complete carnage” in coastal areas.
The Philippine Star newspaper, citing police, said on Monday at least 500 people were injured, while 56 others are still missing after Typhoon Rai hit the southeastern islands on Thursday.
Many are said to have died or wounded after being struck by fallen trees, collapsed walls, and other debris.
The Philippine army has dispatched soldiers to the area to support search and rescue efforts.
The super typhoon, which reached a speed of 195km (121 miles) per hour, caused power outages and serious destruction in the southeastern islands.
More than half of the deaths reported by police were fatalities in the central Visayas region, which includes Bohol province, home to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, including dive spots.
Relief operations have been accelerating but remain hampered by damage caused to communication and power lines, which have yet to be restored in many devastated areas.
