Weather News

Typhoon Saola kills 23 in Philippines

The death toll from four days of storms and flooding brought on by Typhoon Saola in the Philippines has risen to 23.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) says the majority of the victims died from drowning, and some were killed by landslides and falling tree branches.

Some of the worst flooding has been in and around the capital, Manila.

More than 150,000 people across the country have been forced from their homes.

The head of the NDRRMC, Benito Ramos, told Radio Australia's there has been a huge coordination of resources to manage the clean-up.

"We already have the help of the armed services of the Philippines and the coast guard. The army are also helping clean up the mess caused by Typhoon Saola," he said.

Mr Ramos says it will take three to four days before the flood waters recede.

The typhoon has slammed into eastern Taiwan, making landfall near the coastal city of Hualien early Thursday.


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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