Death toll from dehydration and food shortages in Philippines reaches 392

Survivors of Typhoon Rai say they are running out of water and food as two people die of dehydration in Siargao island.

Two Filipinos who survived the devastation wrought by Typhoon Rai have died of dehydration, according to local media, as people in storm-ravaged areas pleaded for food and water and officials warned of potential looting in the absence of urgent humanitarian assistance.

The deaths on the hard-hit island of Siargao brought the typhoon’s toll to at least 392 on Tuesday.

The deaths occurred in the village of Dapa on Monday amid a shortage of clean water, days after Typhoon Rai first made landfall in the area. The radio station quoted health authorities as saying that the village urgently needs a generator as well as fuel to obtain clean water.

Rai, which struck the Philippines last Thursday, was the strongest typhoon to hit the archipelago this year. Aid workers in storm-affected areas have reported “complete carnage”, saying the typhoon has ripped homes, schools, and hospitals to shreds.

Many areas remain cut off, with the storm having toppled power and telecommunication lines, hampering relief efforts.

On the island of Dinagat, Fely Pedrablanca, the mayor of Tubajon, said her town’s food supply was running low.

“Maybe in a few days, we will totally run out,” she said.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES