Death Toll in Philippines Reaches More than 10,000

Edited by Juan Leandro
2013-11-11 13:29:36

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Manila, November 11 (RHC)-- At least 10,000 people in the central Philippines are now reported dead after Typhoon Haiyan sent a tsunami-like surge of water and debris tearing through Leyte province. News reports from Manila say the death count, which increased nearly ten-fold from Saturday, could rise even higher as rescue workers struggle to reach highly damaged areas where survivors are searching the wreckage for loved ones and foraging for food.

In some areas, there are reports that groups of people have attacked trucks loaded with food, tents and water. Hundreds of police officers and soldiers have been deployed to restore order.

Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon said the agency and its partners are prepared to perform a major relief effort because of the magnitude of the disaster.

An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. In December 2011, Typhoon Washi claimed the lives of 1,200 people, displaced 300,000 and destroyed more than 10,000 homes.

Typhoon Bopha last year flattened three coastal towns on the southern island of Mindanao, killing 1,100 people and causing damage estimated at over one billion dollars.



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