Manila:  Philippines reports that at least five persons were killed as typhoon Rai hit the country.  The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director, Ricardo Jalad, said his agency confirmed a report that a man from northern Mindanao died after being struck by a falling tree, according to a source.

Four more people died in Rai-affected areas, according to local media. These deaths are being verified, according to the NDRRMC. The formal report on the deaths and damage caused by the typhoon, which is still wreaking havoc on areas of the country on Friday, has yet to be released by the NDRRMC.

Rai, the Philippines' 15th major typhoon, made landfall on Thursday afternoon, unleashing strong gusts and torrential rains that created flash floods that inundated villages and forced residents to seek help.

Rai was discovered 155 kilometres from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province on Friday around 2 p.m., according to the state weather agency. In the central and southern Philippines, the storm also felled trees, damaged roads, wrecked houses and buildings, and caused a widespread power outage. Rubber boats and ropes were utilised by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to evacuate people, including a month-old baby who was placed in a basin to avoid floodwaters.

Typhoon Rai makes landfall in the Philippines' southern provinces

Typhoon Rai nears Philippines, mass evacuation intensifies

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