Super typhoon leaves 109 dead

2006-12-01 07:42

Manila - The fourth devastating super typhoon in as many months battered the Philippines, setting off a volcanic mudslide and widespread flooding that killed at least 109 people and left dozens more missing, officials said on Friday.

Glen Rabonza, head of the national office of civil defence, said 200 body bags were being shipped to the disaster zone at the request of provincial officials. With power and phone lines downed by powerful winds, helicopters were carrying out aerial surveillance of cut-off areas.

"Our rescue teams are overstretched rescuing people on rooftops," Rabonza said after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was briefed on the storm's aftermath.

- SAPA