Death Toll from Typhoon Rai in the Philippines Jumps to 375

On Monday, the death toll from Typhoon Rai to hit the Philippines has surged to 375, as survivors desperately pleaded for drinking water and food.

In coastal areas, the Philippine Red Cross reported “complete carnage” after Super Typhoon Rai tore apart homes, hospitals, and schools.

During the storm, roofs were torn off, trees were uprooted, concrete power poles were flipped over, wooden houses were smashed, crops were destroyed, and villages were flooded.

According to the latest reports, 375 people have been killed and 56 are still missing amid the latest disaster to devastate the archipelago, with 500 people injured as well, the Red Cross reported.

In the wake of the storm, more than 380,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts.

Bohol, known for its beaches, “Chocolate Hills” and tarsier primate population, was among the hardest-hit islands, where 94 people have died, Governor Arthur Yap announced on Facebook.

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Ubay, the coastal town in Bohol, is in a state of calamity, with many wooden houses flattened and fishing boats destroyed.

Despite already struggling in the tourism sector due to Covid-19 restrictions, the storm has dealt a deadly blow.

A road near General Luna, a tourist town on Siargao Island, has been painted with “SOS.” as people struggle to find water and food ahead of Christmas.

The wind speeds of 195 kilometres per hour (120 miles per hour) brought heavy damage to Dinagat and Mindanao islands as well as Siargao. The Dinagat Islands had at least 14 fatalities.

The military, police, coast guard, and fire departments deployed tens of thousands of personnel along with food, water, and medical supplies, and heavy equipment — including backhoes and front-end loaders — was used to clear roads.

Duterte promised to find another two billion pesos ($40 million) in aid, which is double the amount he previously pledged.