Hanson to address US conservative forum as she closes in on Ley in polls; At least 85 dead, 75 missing in Philippines as Typhoon Kalmaegi heads for Vietnam
At least 85 people have died, and 75 others are missing after a typhoon ripped through the central Philippines, causing widespread flooding that trapped people on their roofs and swept away cars.
Kalmaegi blew away from the western Palawan province into the South China Sea before midday on Wednesday with sustained winds of up to 130km/h and gusts of up to 180 km/h, according to forecasters.
Residents return to what remains of their homes in Talisay City in Cebu.Credit: AP
The Philippine Red Cross received numerous calls from people needing rescue in Cebu from their roofs, its secretary-general, Gwendolyn Pang, said on Tuesday.
The Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms each year, is recovering from a run of disasters, including earthquakes and severe weather events in recent months. In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa swept across northern Luzon, forcing schools and government offices to shut down as it brought fierce winds and torrential rain.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is headed for Vietnam, with forecasters estimating the tropical storm will reach its coast on Friday morning.
