The Philippines evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and confirmed at least three deaths on Friday as a severe tropical storm battered the country, still feeling the effects of Super Typhoon Ragasa.
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Civil defence officials in southern Luzon’s Bicol region said three people had been killed as walls collapsed and trees were uprooted by Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi, which is sweeping west by northwest at sustained speeds of 110km/h (68mph).
Evacuees in one province took cover under pews as the roof of a church where they were sheltering was ripped off by the storm.
“Around 4am, the wind destroyed the door, the windows and the ceiling of the church,” Jerome Martinez, a municipal engineer in southern Luzon island’s Masbate province, said.
“That’s one of the strongest winds I’ve ever experienced,” he said, adding some children had suffered minor injuries requiring stitches.
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“I think more people will have to evacuate still because many houses were destroyed and many roofs were blown away. They are now blocking the streets and roads.”
