- Title: PHILIPPINES: AT LEAST 300 KILLED AS MASSIVE TIDAL WAVE HITS LUZON.
- Date: 30th November 1981
- Summary: (GRAPHIC) SVs Bodies in water (2 shots) 0.24
- Embargoed: 15th December 1981 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines, Philippines
- City:
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes,Environment,Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA347U3FFC7KY5LHB0ANTNMLGRN
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: INTRODUCTION: At least 300 people have been killed in the Philippines when giant waves whipped up by a typhoon swept through a remote coastal town.The town, in the eastern Province of Camarines, was virtually destroyed and it is estimated it will take years to completely repair the damage.
SYNOPSIS: Many of those killed were fishermen caught in their small boats, unable to protect themselves in the huge seas.The search for the bodies is still continuing and it will be some weeks before the final death toll is known.
Many of the bodies remained unidentified as a large scale rescue programme swung into action.More than 2,000 families have been made homeless.
Rice crops worth up to 72 million pesos (8.9 million dollars) were also damaged but local officials are confident they can avert any major problem with food supplies in the flattened area.Typhoon Irma swept in across the South China Seas and caused damage valued at 75 million pesos (9.3 million dollars) to crops and property.
President Marcos visited the region by helicopter and immediately ordered that relief work should be given top priority.
The disaster struck shortly before dawn after the coastal towns had been lashed by high winds and heavy rain storms for five hours.The typhoon knocked out the region's communication system and it was not until the next day that Manila heard the news.
It will be weeks before life can return to normal. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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