Manila: the death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year has soared to 208, the national police said Monday, making it one of the deadliest storm to hit the country in recent years.
At least 239 people were injured and 52 missing after Typhoon Rai devastated areas of south and center of the archipelago, police tally showed.
More than 300,000 people have fled from their homes and the seaside resort when Rai slammed into the country on Thursday as a super typhoon.
Philippine Red Cross has reported “complete Carnage” in coastal areas.
“Homes, hospitals, schools and community buildings have been torn torn,” said Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon earlier.
Meroboh hurricane roof, fallen trees, crashed into a concrete utility pole, hit a wooden house to smithereens and villages flooding – triggered comparisons with Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
Haiyan, called Yolanda in the Philippines, is the deadliest hurricane on record in this country, Leaving more than 7,300 people dead or missing.
One of the islands hardest hit today is Bohol – known for its beaches, rolling “Chocolate Hills”, and Tiny Primates tarsiers – where at least 74 people have died, the Provincial Governor Arthur Yap said on his official Facebook page.
There is also widespread destruction in Siargao, Dinagat and Mindanao islands, which bear the brunt of the storm when it slammed into the country are packing winds of 195 kilometers (120 miles) per hour.
At least 10 people died in Dinagat Islands, Crisostomo Jeffrey provincial information officer told AFP on Sunday.
S.O.S painted on the road in the popular tourist town of General Luna, Siargao Island, where surfers and tourists have flocked before Christmas, when people struggle to find water and food.
Patrikan affected areas have no communication, hampering efforts to assess the disaster agency fully hurricane damage.
Electricity has also been eliminated, affecting water refilling stations and ATMs.
Thousands of military, police, coast guard and fire brigade personnel have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts.
Coast Guard and naval vessels that bring food, water, and medical supplies have been shipped, while heavy machinery such as backhoes and front-end loader – have been sent to help clear roads blocked by power poles and trees that fell.
Rai hit the Philippines late in the hurricane season – most cyclones usually develop between July and October.
Scientists have long warned that the typhoon to be stronger and faster strengthen as the world becomes warmer because of human-driven climate change.
Philippines – ranked among the countries most vulnerable Globe to the impacts of climate change – hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, which typically remove crops, homes and infrastructure in areas that are already poor.