Super Typhoon Rai slams through the Philippines forcing tens of thousands to evacuate

Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as “Odette”, slammed into the southeastern Philippines on December 16, 2021, toppling trees, ripping away tin roofs and knocking down power lines. The severe storm blew across several island provinces forcing more than 332,000 people to evacuate. Forecasters said the typhoon was continuing to strengthen, with sustained winds of about 195km/h (120mph) and gusts of up to 270km/h (168mph) as it blew in from the Pacific Ocean into the Siargao Islands. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.