90 killed in Philippines landslides

Manila [Philippines], Dec 23 (ANI): Over 90 people were killed and scores missing when a severe tropical storm striked the Philippines, triggering flooding and massive landslides.

The casualties were reported in Mindanao, located in the southern part of the country, Daily Star said.

A local weather bureau said that the storm had gathered strength over the Sulu Sea.

Wind speeds hit a speed of 80 kmph and was moving westwards at 20 kmph.

The storm was heading out over the sea by Saturday afternoon and would dissipate by Monday, it said.

Ryan Cabus, a local official, said: "We're still trying to confirm reports of a farming village, buried by a mudslide due to heavy rains by the typhoon."

Rescue operations were hampered since all power and communication lines in the affected area had been cut.

Cabus also added that emergency workers, soldiers, police and volunteers were being mobilised to search for survivors.

The debris will be cleared and power and communications' lines would be restored soon.

At the time of filing this report, authorities have confirmed that in the ongoing rescue operations, the death toll has risen to 133. (ANI)