Philippines reports at least 75 deaths as Typhoon Rai hits

The death toll from Typhoon Rai - the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year - has risen to at least 75, according to official statistics announced by local authorities on December 19.

Rescue forces are making every efforts to deliver water and food to devastated islands

Currently, rescue forces are making every efforts to deliver water and food to devastated islands.

Super Typhoon Rai smashed into the Philippines on December 16 packing wind speeds of 195 kilometres per hour.

More than 300,000 people and tourists had to flee from their homes and beachfront resorts as Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the archipelago.

The storm disrupted communication and power supply networks in many areas, tore off roofs of houses and toppled power poles.

Arthur Yap, governor of the popular tourist destination Bohol, said 49 people on the island were reported dead while 10 people were still missing and 13 were injured after the storm smashed into the country. He raised fears the death toll could rise in the flood-hit province.

Thousands of military, police, coast guard and fire personnel are being deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas./.

VNA