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Philippines flood death toll tops 650

China.org.cn, December 19, 2011

• Tropical Storm Washi and ensuing floods that struck southern Philippines over the weekend have killed at least 652 people before it left the disaster area early Monday, according to the Philippine Red Cross.

  The photo shows the disaster-hit residents in Philippines on Dec. 17, 2011. Flash floods triggered by a tropical storm have killed hundreds in southern Philippine cities, and the disaster is becoming more serious.

  Another 800 people are still reportedly missing as soldiers and volunteers continue their rescue work.

  There were no new storm warnings for the island country Monday morning, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

  A report released Monday morning by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council noted that the storm had affected more than 135,000 people, nearly 47,000 of whom were in evacuation centers.

  Authorities has been put under fire for not giving enough warning of the storm's severity. However, state disaster agency argued that adequate warnings had been given to officials and residents three days before the fatal storm arrived.

  Many were caught in their bed as the flash floods raided their homes in the thick of night.

  Authorities have been criticised for not giving enough warning of the storm's severity.

  President Beningo Aquino plans to visit the region Tuesday.

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