Typhoon Bopha kills at least 325 in Philippine

MANILA - Death toll in the Philippines due to Typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo) climbed to 325, while 379 others were reported missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday morning.

NDRRMC said in the latest report released Thursday morning that only 32 cadavers were identified among the reported deaths.

Among those who died, 298 came from southern Region XI, particularly from the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley; nine from Caraga Region; eight from Region X; seven from Region VII; and two from Region VIII.

Over 400 people were also reported injured, NDRRMC added.

President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier expressed concern on the surging number of casualties as he hoped that the figures were "erroneous, which could be corrected soon."

Nearly 49,000 families or over 231,000 people were affected by the weather disturbance. Of them 38,790 families or more than 183,000 individuals were being served inside and outside the evacuation centers, NDRRMC said.

Residents carry the body of victim after flash floods brought by Typhoon Bopha swept New Bataan town in Compostela Valley in southern Philippines Dec 5, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]