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Philippines’ Typhoon Death Toll Rises as Rescue Continues

Philippines’ Typhoon Death Toll Rises as Rescue Continues

The death toll in the Philippines from Typhoon Vamco increased to at least 67, with authorities saying dozens are still missing or injured as rescue operations on the main Luzon island continued.

Vamco barreled through Luzon from Wednesday, triggering some of Metro Manila’s worst floods in years. Spilling dams have also submerged farms and towns in provinces north of the capital, where rescuers are still trying to reach stranded individuals.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday that climate change may have contributed to extreme weather disturbances on Luzon in recent weeks.

“The problem now, whether we accept it or not, is climate change,” Duterte said at a briefing from Cagayan Valley region, where about a third of the fatalities were recorded. The government will “redefine” efforts against illegal logging and mining, he said.

Philippines’ Typhoon Death Toll Rises as Rescue Continues

The 21st storm to hit the Philippines this year is headed for Vietnam. It passed regions already battered about two weeks ago by Super Typhoon Goni, which killed at least 25 people.

In remarks before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Thursday, Duterte called for further cooperation on disaster management. He also urged developed nations to cut their carbon emissions to combat effects of climate change.

An average of 20 typhoons pass through the Philippines each year. Natural disasters cost the nation 1%-3% of gross domestic product annually, according to state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies. This year’s storms have complicated coronavirus containment efforts, as thousands of people evacuate.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.