Dozens killed as 160-mph typhoon hits Philippines

The strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year pounded the southern island of Mindanao on Tuesday, killing dozens as it destroyed homes and brought down power and communication lines.

At least 81 people died in Mindanao, ABS-CBNnews.com cited officials as saying.

Typhoon Bopha made landfall at dawn, uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. The Weather Channel said the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and was the equivalent of a category five hurricane.

At least 43 people were killed in flash floods and landslides near a mining area on Mindanao, ABS-CBN reported, saying waters and mudslides had swept through an army post.

A television reporter said she saw numerous bodies lined up near the army base. 


Disaster official Liza Mazo, said more casualties were expected to be discovered as search and rescue teams fanned out.

PhotoBlog: Images of Bopha's damage
PhotoBlog: Bopha stirs awe from space

Media said dozens of people were injured by flying debris, falling trees and swept away by swollen rivers and flash floods.

More than 155,000 people were in shelters late on Tuesday, due in part to an early evacuation.

AFP - Getty Images

Residents brave heavy wind and rains during Typhoon Bopha on the southern island of Mindanao on Tuesday.

About 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, often causing death and destruction. Typhoon Washi killed 1,500 people on Mindanao in 2011.

"We have suffered enough," Felicitas Cabusao said, clutching a Holy Rosary beside her crying 12-year-old daughter.

Cabusao said her daughter survived Typhoon Washi, almost exactly a year ago, after she was washed out to sea when flash floods swept away entire coastal villages.

Dozens of domestic flights and ferry services in the central and southern Philippines were suspended on Tuesday. Schools and some businesses were closed.

Bopha was moving west-northwest and was expected to move out into the South China Sea by Thursday. 

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Discuss this post

DOOM!

    Reply#1 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 9:28 AM EST

    Keep boffing people, keep boffing!

      Reply#2 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 10:44 AM EST

      On a side note, I'm handing out free earthquakes. Who wants one?

        Reply#3 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 10:55 AM EST

        GOLDFISH..you are hereby awarded the, Idiot of the day badge!! Wear it proudly. You imbecile. Hoping and praying for the best for the people of Mindinao and the Philippines. 160mph is a vicious storm. Many of the houses there are not constructed well at all. Relief is on the way!!!!!!!

        • 1 vote
        Reply#4 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 11:46 AM EST

        GOLDFISH..you are hereby awarded the, Idiot of the day badge!! Wear it proudly.

        Thanks. :)

          #4.1 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 12:16 PM EST

          Relief is on the way!!!!!!!

          I didn't realize Pizza Hut delivered in the Phillipines.

            #4.2 - Wed Dec 5, 2012 9:27 PM EST
            Reply

            GoldfishTheDestroyer

            It's obvious you never been in a typhoon and probably nor a hurricane...so why don't you run on down to the dollar store and pick up one of those cheap ass sewing kits...using the rusty sewing needle and stitch you lips shut! Thank You :-)

              Reply#5 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 12:22 PM EST

              Actually I have a sewing kit on the sailboat. In which I have been through 2 Cat 1 storms.

              That was one of the things they taught us to do in the Coast Guard. Kind of makes you a girly man, but comes in handy.

                #5.1 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 12:35 PM EST
                Reply

                i ginugol bahagi ng isang taon sa Luzon at pagkatapos ay timog sa Cebu.typhoons, bagyo may may kaya magkano ang higit pa sa isang epekto dahil hindi nila ang mga mapagkukunan sa aming pamahalaan ay humarap sa naturang kalamidad pati na rin ang maraming live sa mga tahanan na ginawa mula sa mga bits at piraso ng mga materyales na nakolekta.Pilipino ay isang mahusay na mga tao na sa tingin i napaka masamang para sa kanila sa oras na ito.ang mga ito kahit na isang malakas at nababanat na mga tao anuman.

                  Reply#6 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 12:40 PM EST

                  Dear Friends:

                  My prayers and Deepest Sympathies to all who are suffering and or have lost a loved one or friend or who are injured. Throughout the World for those who are ill, threatened to become ill and those who also have lost loved ones. God Bless you all!

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#8 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 1:48 PM EST

                  Dear Friends:

                  There are more storms heading into the Asian areas. More than two! Please watch flooding and disease!

                  In the Atlantic there is a storm that is trying to form a circular motion that when it reaches Europe will be so much more severe than it has been as it passed through the United States in California. Be prepared!

                  Amen

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#9 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 2:30 PM EST

                  Dear Friends:

                  There are more storms heading into the Asian areas. More than two! Please watch flooding and disease!

                  Friends? You do realize the Asians bombed Pearl Harbor don't you?

                  I mean I played tennis once with a Buddhist from Japan once in college, but he was Buddhist.

                  So, I was able to let my angst about Pearl Harbor go.

                  I was able to resist the urge to jump the net in the middle and yell "Pearl Harbor!"

                    #9.1 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 10:13 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Survey says!--been happening since forever! Sorry folks died

                      Reply#10 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 4:52 PM EST

                      My deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines.I've known many who immigrated to the U.S. and they still have family there.Many live in shacks that can't withstand the elements while their government does nothing to elevate their standard of living.The lucky ones have relatives here who send money and goods that are hard to buy.I met a lady at CVS who was buying up instant coffee to send back home.

                        Reply#11 - Tue Dec 4, 2012 5:24 PM EST
                        JoBobDingDeleted
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