41 dead in Philippines as rescuers rush aid to typhoon victims

Rescuers on Thursday rushed relief goods and medicines to wide areas in the northern Philippines still flooded in the aftermath of a powerful typhoon that killed 41 people, dpa reported. The Office of Civil Defence (OCD) said others remained missing as Typhoon Nesat left the country and headed towards China overnight. Thousands remained stranded across the northern region of Luzon by to floods and landslides that cut roads. The OCD said estimated damage to crops and infrastructure was at least 1.14 billion pesos (20.20 million dollars). Benito Ramos, chief of the OCD, said rescuers were taking advantage of the clear weather on Thursday to reach flooded areas where some people were stranded on upper floors or rooftops. "We hope the floods will subside soon," he said. The OCD said nearly half a million people were affected by Nesat, with over 150,000 people still living in evacuation centres. The weather bureau said it was closely monitoring another tropical storm which could begin affecting the northern provinces late Sunday.