MANILA: President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has declared a state of calamity in several regions to expedite relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged central and southern Philippines last week. "I've decided to declare a state of disaster. I'll sign it right now "According to Duterte, the worst-affected areas have suffered massive destruction and loss of life.
According to reports, Duterte declared a state of calamity in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga regions in a taped public address aired late Tuesday. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 156 people died as a result of the typhoon, while the Philippine National Police reported at least 375 deaths. Many more people have gone missing or have been injured.
Typhoon Rai made landfall on Siargao Island, off the eastern coast of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines, on Thursday afternoon. It rained for three days in the Southeast Asian country, causing flooding and landslides. Rai left the Philippines on Saturday, leaving a trail of devastation in the central and southern Philippines, as well as some areas on the main island of Luzon.
On Tuesday, the Chinese government began distributing relief supplies to thousands of victims in typhoon-ravaged areas.
Typhoon Rai makes landfall in the Philippines' southern provinces
