12 dead as powerful typhoon continues to batter the Philippines

This aerial handout photo taken on Friday, December 17, 2021 and received from the Philippine Coast Guard shows damaged caused by Super Typhoon Rai after the storm crossed over Siargao island off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. - AFP

CEBU, Dec 17, 2021 (AFP): At least 12 people have died in the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, the disaster agency said Friday, after the storm swept across the archipelago uprooting trees, toppling power poles and flooding villages.

More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Typhoon Rai pummelled the southern and central regions of the country, knocking out communications in some areas and tearing roofs off buildings.