One of the strongest typhoons ever recorded in history battered the Philippines on Friday, sending millions of people fleeing for safety. According to the report, at least 56 people were killed when typhoon Yolanda, or Hainan crossed over the archipelago.
In the city of Tacloban and Palo town in Leyte, places which were seriously pounded by Yolanda, 53 people were reported killed by GMA network. However, city officials and other media agencies claimed only three people lost their lives.
But because the communications lines were cut due to strong winds, it is difficult to know the exact numbers of casualties yet.
People across the Philippines flooded their Facebook walls with words of encouragement and prayers. “When you’re faced with such a scenario, you can only pray, and pray and pray,” Southern Leyte Governor Roger Mercado said.
Rappler.com reported that as of today, Saturday, November 9, 2013, the eye of the typhoon was located 30 kilometers west of Coron, a municipality in the north of Palawan famous for its beautiful beaches.
We’ve had reports of uprooted trees, very strong winds… and houses made of light materials being damaged,” Philippine Red Cross chief Gwendolyn Pang told AFP.
“We have put rescue teams and equipment at different places, but at the moment we can’t really do much because of the heavy rain and strong winds. There is no power,” she added.
At least 125,000 people were evacuated just before the typhoon makes its landing. Yolanda is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility late Saturday.
