This archive report was first published on 19 December 2021.
At least 89 people have been confirmed dead in the Philippines after Typhoon Rai slammed into the country on Thursday, December 16, as a super typhoon packing wind speeds of 195 kilometres per hour.
The storm, which has been compared to the deadliest cyclone on record in the Philippines, Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, has left thousands displaced and caused widespread destruction across the southern and central regions of the archipelago.
Arthur Yap, governor of the popular tourist destination Bohol, reported 63 deaths in his town, taking the overall number of reported deaths to 89, according to the latest official figures.
Disaster agencies are assessing the full extent of the death and destruction from the storm across the vast archipelago, with thousands of military, police, coast guard, and fire personnel being deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.
Coast guard and naval vessels carrying food, water, and medical supplies are being dispatched, while heavy machinery is being sent to help clear roads blocked by fallen power poles and trees.
Charities and emergency services have appealed for donations to support the relief efforts.
AFP/File / Alan Tangcawan
Residents in the Siargao town of General Luna, where many surfers and holidaymakers had flocked ahead of Christmas, were being evacuated from the island on Sunday.
‘The damage to the island’s landscape was “reminiscent if not worse” than that caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, said Dinagat Governor Arlene Bag-ao.
