Typhoon Odette declared most destructive since Yolanda

Typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai, has been declared the most destructive storm to hit the Philippines since Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

While not as strong as Supertyphoon Rolly, Typhoon Ompong, or Typhoon Lawin, Odette was the most destructive storm to hit the country since Yolanda, according to NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad.

Odette, which struck the southern and central Philippines in December, resulted in at least 407 deaths and 78 missing individuals.

The typhoon caused extensive damage to approximately 597,000 houses, with estimated costs of P16.9 billion for infrastructure and P7.6 billion for agriculture.

Around 4.8 million people were affected by Odette, with nearly half a million people housed in evacuation centers or with relatives and friends.

Power outages occurred in 284 cities and towns, though electricity has since been restored in 206 of these areas.

President Rodrigo Duterte has indicated he will revisit areas devastated by Odette and suggested using the presidential yacht as a hospital ship.