Devastating typhoon kills over 100 in Philippines

The death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year rose to 108, official tallies showed Sunday, as efforts to deliver water and food to devastated islands intensified, Report informs via France 24.

The latest figure comes after Arthur Yap, governor of the popular tourist destination Bohol, said the number of fatalities on the devastated island had reached 72.

More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Typhoon Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the archipelago.

The storm knocked out communications and electricity in many areas, ripped off roofs, damaged hospitals, toppled concrete power poles and flooded villages.

Ten people also died on the Dinagat Islands, provincial information officer Jeffrey Crisostomo told AFP.

The death toll was likely to rise as disaster agencies assessed the full extent of the destruction.

Rai smashed into the country Thursday as a "super typhoon" with wind speeds of 195 kilometers per hour.

Thousands of military, police, coast guard and fire personnel are being deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.

Coast guard and naval vessels carrying food, water and medical supplies are being dispatched, while heavy machinery – like backhoes and front-end loaders – are being sent to help clear roads blocked by fallen power poles and trees.

"It's going to be a long, tough road for people to rebuild and get their lives back on track," said Alberto Bocanegra, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines.

The organization appealed for 20 million Swiss francs ($21.6 million) to fund urgent relief and recovery efforts.

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