‘Vinta’ death toll climbs to 200

Deaths from typhoon “Vinta” have reached 200, as rains dumped in Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, swept out homes and triggered landslides.

Reports from police said the number of deaths increased to 200 by Saturday evening as rescuers retrieved more bodies of missing persons.

In Zamboanga Peninsula, floods killed 47 people based on a regional police report, while 72 more were reported missing.

Police in Northern Mindanao said 135 people were killed in Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Iligan, as 72 people were also believed to be missing.

ARMM assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, meanwhile, said that 18 people were reported dead due to floods and landslides in Lanao del Sur.

Vinta is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this Sunday morning.

READ: ‘Vinta’ strengthens into typhoon as it moves to leave PH on Christmas eve

/kga