More than 30 people are dead and many more are missing after a devastating storm swept over the Philippines, reports revealed on Saturday.
Super Typhoon Rai hit the country's southeastern islands on Thursday, bringing winds of about 195km/h (120mph).
The strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year has caused severe damages as it toppled power poles, uprooted trees, and left three million people without electricity.
The country’s disaster agency stated that the reported death toll stands at 31. It said in a statement that four people have been confirmed killed.
Reports indicate that 27 people are believed to be among the dead.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway in the devastated regions due to the powerful storm, also known as Typhoon Odette in the Philippines.
The Governor of Siargao mentioned that the island was "totally devastated" and estimated repair costs would be more than $400m (£302m).
Moreover, the governor of the neighboring Dinagat islands, Arlene Bag-ao, revealed that the region had been "levelled to the ground" by the typhoon.
"The fields and boats of our farmers and fisherfolk have been decimated," she said in a Facebook message quoted by news site Rappler. "[We] have lost our homes. Walls and roofs were torn and blown off…. We have a dwindling supply of food and water. Electricity and telecommunications are down. Therefore, we urgently and humbly ask for everyone’s help."
In this sense, reports indicated that more than 6,000 people died after that storm – also known as Typhoon Haiyan – hit the country in 2013. On average, about 20 storms and typhoons strike the Philippines each year.
The storm comes as the nation prepares for Christmas in the Philippines, where more than 80% of the population declare themselves to be Catholic.
The latest update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) noted that while Typhoon Rai has now passed west of the island nation, it is intensifying again.
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