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    December 17, 2011

More Than 180 Dead in Philippines Storm

   VOA News
   Residents stand in floodwaters after flash floods brought by Typhoon
   Washi (Sendong) hit Iligan city, southern Philippines December 17,
   2011. Photo: Reuters
   Residents stand in floodwaters after flash floods brought by Typhoon
   Washi (Sendong) hit Iligan city, southern Philippines December 17,
   2011.

   Officials say the death toll from a slow-moving tropical storm has
   surged to more than 180 people, with around 400 missing across vast
   regions of the southern Philippines.
   Tropical Storm Washi hit the southern region of Mindanao overnight,
   blanketing the area with heavy rain and high winds.
   The chief of the national disaster rescue agency, Benito Ramos, said
   Saturday that officials are still getting reports from the field and
   that the number of casualties would probably rise.
   The storm has displaced thousands from their homes.
   Forecasters say Washi is expected to blow out of the country late
   Sunday.
   Officials in the city of Iligan said many people were caught by
   surprise when floodwaters rose fast, forcing residents onto the roofs
   of their houses. Authorities say a popular radio commentator was among
   those swept away by the floodwaters.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP.

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