The death toll in the first typhoon of the season in the Philippines increased dramatically

On April 14, the army Philippines pledged to continue search efforts after Typhoon Megi (locally known as Agaton) ravaged the central Philippines this week, causing floods and landslides that killed at least 123 people.

Megi is the first typhoon this year to make landfall in the more than 7,600-island nation of the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 storms a year.

According to the Philippine National Disaster Agency, 86 people died in Baybay, a mountainous area at risk of landslides. mudslide in Leyte province, where 236 people were also injured.

Aerial photos and video from local authorities show collapsed slopes, burying coconut plantations and homes in mud. In one area, rescuers had to use rubber boats to reach the landslide point.

Typhoon Megi made landfall in the Philippines on April 10 with winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h. More than 162,000 displaced residents are sheltering in evacuation centers, while more than 41,000 are living with relatives.

CNN quoted information from the Philippine Department of Agriculture as saying that the agricultural damage caused by Typhoon Megi was estimated at more than 8 million USD. At least 6,557 farmers and 10,920 hectares of agricultural land are affected.

Among the hardest hit areas are Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Caraga.

Typhoon Megi made landfall while the Philippines was still struggling to overcome the consequences after Super Typhoon Raithe strongest storm to ravage the country in 2021. Typhoon Rai, known locally as Typhoon Odette, has claimed the lives of more than 300 people and injured more than 500.