The death toll in the Philippines after the passage of typhoon Rai, one of the deadliest to hit the country in recent years, reached at least 375, according to information released by police authorities on Monday (20). About 500 people were injured, and another 56 are missing.
The typhoon hit the Philippines last Thursday (16) with winds of 195 km/h. The Southeast Asian country is one of the most vulnerable to climate change and experiences nearly 20 typhoons and severe storms a year. The Rai pass has been described by local organizations as a total disaster.
Efforts to bring food and water to the devastated islands continue. More than 300,000 people have fled their homes and hotels by the sea to flee the typhoon, and the casualty toll could increase as government agencies assess the scale of the disaster nationwide.
Several areas were left without communication and electricity, and many houses were roofed. “Our situation is desperate,” said Ferry Asusción, a street vendor in the city of Surigao. The governor of Bohol, a popular tourist destination, said the region had recorded 94 deaths and declared a state of emergency at the site, where the destruction of homes and agricultural losses are still being calculated.
Backhoes and tractors have been used to clear roads blocked by falling poles and trees. On the Dinagat Islands, which registered 14 deaths, Governor Arlene Bag-ao said the damage was a reminder, equal or worse, of the destruction caused by super typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the most violent on record in the Philippines, with more than 7,300 dead or missing people.
During the closing of the traditional Angelus prayer, this Sunday (19), Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the Philippines, a mostly Catholic country. “May the holy child bring comfort and hope to families with the most difficulties,” said the pontiff.
Rai hit the Philippines after a typhoon season, and scientists warn that the phenomenon is becoming increasingly intense due to the climatic emergency. On Saturday, the Rai moved away, advancing across the South China Sea, and on Sunday, it was close to the coast of Vietnam, moving north.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters Monday that the priority is to bring supplies and medical care to the wounded. Lorenzana ordered the Armed Forces to use all available resources and to send more troops to the affected regions if necessary.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who is preparing to step down in 2022 when elections will be held, visited the affected areas over the weekend and pledged funds of around 2 billion Philippine pesos (BRL 223 million) to help with national efforts .
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