Typhoon Phanfone death toll rises to 21

MANILA: The death toll from Typhoon Phanfone that has pounded the central Philippines with heavy rain and strong winds has climbed to 21, the country’s government said yesterday.

Phanfone, which made landfall on Tuesday afternoon in Eastern Samar province, left a trail of destruction as it swept across the central Philippines and areas off the southern tip of the main Luzon island.

Huge flooding was reported in many affected areas.

The country’s disaster agency said nearly 186 000 people in 584 villages in the central Philippines and northern Mindanao region have been affected.

More than 2 000 houses and 55 schools were damaged. About 150 domestic and international flights were cancelled last week.