Typhoon Odette death toll reaches 80, expected to rise

Typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, has caused at least 80 reported deaths as of December 19, with the toll expected to rise as assessments continue.

Bohol province has the highest death toll so far with at least 63 confirmed deaths, while the NDRRMC recorded an additional 26 casualties in other areas.

A total of 706,634 persons were affected, including almost 490,000 who were forced to flee their homes.

The typhoon made landfall with wind speeds of 195 kilometers per hour, bringing heavy rains and widespread devastation.

Damage includes nearly 4,000 houses destroyed, with assessment reports indicating much wider damage, especially in island provinces like Siargao and Dinagat.

Recovery and relief efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure, including air and sea ports, and limited communication lines.