Typhoon Rai death toll tops 100 as the Philippines ramps up rescue, recovery efforts

More than 300,000 people fled their homes as the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year ravaged parts of the country

The popular tourist destination Bohol was devastated, with 63 reported dead and 10 still missing

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A woman salvages parts of her home damaged due to Typhoon Rai, in Talisay, Cebu province, Philippines. Photo: AP

Published: 12:00pm, 19 Dec 2021Updated: 4:13pm, 19 Dec 2021

At least 112 people have been reported killed in the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, official tallies showed on Sunday, as efforts to deliver water and food to devastated islands ramped up.

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, ripping off roofs, toppling concrete power poles and flooding villages.

Arthur Yap, governor of the popular tourist destination Bohol, said on Sunday at least 63 people had died in the devastation, bringing the death toll in the strongest from the strongest typhoon to batter the country this year to at least 112.

Residents carry what is left of their belongings in Surigao city, Surigao del Norte, central Philippines. Photo: AP

Yap said 10 people were still missing on the island and 13 were injured after the storm smashed into the country on Thursday as a super typhoon packing wind speeds of 195km (120 miles) per hour.