Five killed as typhoon Rammasun strike Philippines

Manila, July 16 :

At least five people were killed Wednesday as typhoon Rammasun made landfall in the Philippines.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the victims included two people who were electrocuted in the eastern Philippine province of Camarines Sur, Xinhua reported.

According to the state weather bureau, typhoon Rammasun packed maximum winds of 140 km per hour.

Strong winds damaged houses and caused storm surges in coastal areas.

Power was cut off as electric posts were felled by strong winds.

Many affected areas are without electricity, making it difficult for government officials to assess the extent of the damage caused by the typhoon.

More than 130,000 families from eastern and northern Philippines were forced to leave their homes to avoid the wrath of Rammasun.

In a report, the NDRRMC said 11 roads and one bridge in affected areas were damaged and were rendered impassable.

A total of 46 domestic flights and 19 international flights were cancelled due to bad weather.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was forced to cancel his attendance at the opening ceremony of the Asian Defence Security and Crisis Management Exhibition in Pasay city, and to monitor the situation in affected areas.

(IANS)