At least 31 people were killed and 49 others were missing in landslides and flooding triggered by Typhoon Kai-Tak, which swept through the central Philippines on 16 December.

Typhoon Kai-Tak swept through the central Philippines on 16 December (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Some 23 of the fatalities were reported in Biliran, five in Leyte, two in Samar, and one in Eastern Samar, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a press briefing in Biliran on 18 December.

In addition, the typhoon has affected lives of more than 62,000 local families and destroyed many roads and bridges in Eastern Samar and Samar. 

Many flights and ferries were canceled during the weekend, stranding thousands of passengers in ferry terminals and airports.

Over 38,000 people were evacuated to temporary houses after days of heavy rains before the tropical depression hit the country, causing landfall and flooding in Samar and Leyte island nearby.

These areas, with a population of 4.5 million people, suffered devastating damages in Typhoon Haiyan four years ago, claiming about 7,350 lives.

(Source: VNA)