Bebeng (International codename Aere) death toll rises to 31 in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine death toll from tropical storm Bebeng rose to 31 people, the government said Friday.

The nation’s disaster agency reported seven more casualties in its latest advisory after Bebeng left the country on Wednesday.

The storm hit the Philippines on Sunday morning and battered its northern regions with heavy rains and strong winds, causing floods and landslides.

The Philippines endures an average of 20 storms or typhoons annually. Hundreds of people die each year due to the storms, with many of the victims living in poor, coastal communities.