Weather News

Mass burial for Philippines typhoon victims

The first mass burials for unidentified victims of Typhoon Bopha have been held in the Philippines.

Bopha struck the country's southeast on December 4, wiping out coastal communities in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces, with inland towns also hit hard by floods and landslides.

The confirmed death toll from the typhoon stands at 1,067, with more than 800 people still missing.

About 200 bodies have been laid to rest in Compostela Valley.

Local officials say the mass burial was necessary due to the potential health threat from decomposing bodies.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused flash flooding in parts of the region.

People living in landslide and flood-prone areas have been urged to evacuate.


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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