Super-typhoon kills hundreds

2006-12-01 13:00

Legaspi, Philippines - Heavy rain from super-typhoon Durian caused mudslides that smothered dozens of villages in the eastern Philippines on Friday, killing 388 according to the Red Cross.

The rain mixed with volcanic ash on the slopes of the Mayon volcano, located some 350km southeast of Manila, creating a thick brown sludge that swept down the mountainside, local authorities said.

The mudflow struck shortly after midnight, burying everything in its path and reaching the rooftops of the region's bamboo houses.

"We do not have exact figures, but we are looking at about 200 dead ... principally in the vicinity of Mayon volcano," said Glenn Rabonza, the executive officer of the national disaster coordinating council.

He said rescuers were concentrating their efforts on trying to save lives.

The Red Cross later said some 388 were killed and 96 missing following the mudflow.

Emmy Salgado, a local resident, said that a two-month old baby had been found alive on a buried hut's rooftop.

In Daraga town, just outside Legaspi city, over 20 mud-covered bodies were brought to the local basketball court for identification.

The typhoon, which hit the eastern region of Bicol before dawn on Thursday, packing maximum winds of 150km per hour, knocked out electrical services, telephone lines and water supply, further hampering rescue and relief efforts.

- AFP