Philippines storm death toll rises to 53

Manila, Dec 31: Two days after a tropical storm Jangmi hit central and southern parts of the Philippines, the toll rose to 53 on Wednesday.

The storm, known locally as Seniang, first made landfall Monday morning in Surigao del Sur province.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that 26 people were injured and eight people are still missing, Xinhua reported.

A total of 52,082 families or 226,883 people were affected by Jangmi which triggered landslides and flashfloods, the report said.

Jangmi maintained its strength as it moved closer to Palawan island in the western part of the country, packing peak winds of 65 kms per hour.

Due to inclement weather, 17,656 passengers were stranded at ports, 14 domestic flights have been cancelled, 43 roads and 22 bridges are not passable in Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Some provinces in central Philippines are experiencing power or water interruption, the agency added.

IANS