Search for survivors after Philippines Storm floods
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Sunday, December 18, 2011
Rescuers are continuing the search for survivors after flash floods killed nearly 500 people and left many others missing in the southern Philippines.
The major ports of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were among the areas worst hit on Friday night. Almost 35,000 people were still sheltering in evacuation centres on Sunday.
Naval vessels are scouring the coast along the island of Mindanao while soldiers searched swollen rivers. Officials said many bodies remained unclaimed, suggesting entire families had been swept away.
The flash floods were triggered by a tropical storm that coincided with high tides, trapping many in their homes.
The Philippine National Red Cross puts the current death toll at 497, but other sources put the figure at well over 500. Many of the bodies were unclaimed after nearly 24 hours, and it has been suggested that entire families had died. Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said, "The affected area is so wide and huge and I believe they have not really gone to all areas to do a search"