Powerful Typhoon Kills At Least 145 in Philippines

Rescuers raced to reach survivors Sunday after a powerful typhoon called Rai hit the Philippines . The storm packed sustained winds topping 120 mph and dumped heavy rains on the nation. 300,000 people were forced to evacuate. The typhoon triggered landslides and floods. At least 145 people have died. Officials feared the death toll could soar. Mayors of only 33 of 48 towns of Bohol province hit by the storm could report on deaths. Communication systems were down.

A super-typhoon is like a Category 5 hurricane. A storm of that size made landfall Thursday. It had gusts of wind up to 168 mph. It was one of the most powerful storms in recent years to strike the island nation in Southeast Asia. Rai ripped apart homes, hospitals, and schools. 

The typhoon knocked out electricity to at least 227 cities. Most remained without power Sunday. Emergency workers scrambled to restore power. They're also providing clean drinking water to residents.

The Filipino president pledged to provide $40 million for relief and recovery efforts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an emergency international appeal. They're trying to raise $22 million in aid.

One governor in the central Philippines said, “It is very clear that the damage sustained by Bohol is great and all-encompassing.”

Photo from Reuters.