Manila - At least 10 people were killed in the Philippines in
accidents caused by typhoon Phanfone, which battered eastern and
central provinces on Christmas Day, officials said Thursday.
Six people were also reported missing in Iloilo province, 463
kilometres south of Manila, one of the areas that bore the brunt of
Phanfone's destructive winds and intense rain since December 24,
local officials said.
The 10 fatalities were from the provinces of Iloilo, Leyte and Capiz,
and but local officials could not yet give details about the victims
and the circumstances of their deaths.
Phanfone has slowed down and weakened as it crossed the Philippines'
land mass into the South China Sea, the weather bureau said.
Fallen power lines dangle over buildings after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines. Picture: Paul Cinco/via Reuters
It was packing maximum sustained winds Thursday of 130 kilometres per
hour (kph) and gusts of up to 160 kph, moving north-west at 15 kph,
the bureau added.
Fallen trees and buildings are seen after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines. Picture: Paul Cinco/via Reuters
More than 24,000 people were stranded in seaports after the coast
guard stopped all ferries from sailing. At least 115 domestic flights
were also cancelled.
Fallen tree branches litter a basketball court after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines. Picture: Paul Cinco/via Reuters
Over 58,000 people were also forced to evacuate their homes as
Phanfone tore off rooftops, felled trees and electric posts and
destroyed houses made of light materials. Landslides and floods were
also reported in some affected areas.
Destroyed Christmas decorations are seen after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines. Picture: Paul Cinco/via Reuters
Phanfone, the 21st cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, was
expected to exit the country on Saturday, according to the weather
bureau.
A man walks past damaged homes after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines. Picture: Paul Cinco/via Reuters
One of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, Typhoon Haiyan, hit the
country in November 2013, killing more than 6,300 people and
displacing more than 4 million.