Philippines Typhoon: Death Toll Rises To 23, Over 300,000 Displaced

NEWS DESK – At least 23 people have been killed in the strongest Typhoon to hit the Philippines this year and officials say there are “alarming” reports of destruction on islands that bore the brunt of the storm.

More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Typhoon Rai ravaged the Southern and central regions of the Archipelago, knocking out communications and electricity in many areas, ripping off roofs and toppling concrete power poles.

Rai was a super Typhoon when it smashed into the popular tourist island of Siargao on Thursday, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometres per hour.