Tropical Depression Usman death toll rises to 78
Updated 19:47, 04-Jan-2019
CGTN
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The death toll from Tropical Depression Usman has risen to 78, and 21 people are still missing, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.
The Usman has brought landslides and widespread flooding to the Philipines, many of the affected areas were deprived of electricity and more than 190,000 people have been affected, said NDRRMC.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing and the local officials said the death toll could rise.
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters. An average of 20 cyclones leading to landslides and floods strike the country each year. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan resulted in the death of more than 6,300 people and the displacement of four million.