Philippines' feared death toll from Typhoon Rai rises to 31

FILE PHOTO: Aerial view showing damaged houses in Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte Province, Philippines, December 17, 2021. Philippine Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS.

MANILA (Reuters) -The feared death toll from a typhoon that battered the Philippines has risen to 31, officials said on Saturday, nearly triple the previous day's number as rescue teams reach damaged areas and communication lines are restored.

Four people have been confirmed dead after being hit by falling trees and another 27 people are feared to have died as a result of Typhoon Rai, the country's disaster agency said in a statement.