At least 146 people have been killed in the Philippines by a mudslide triggered by a typhoon, the Red Cross says.
At least 146 people have been killed in the Philippines by a mudslide triggered by a typhoon, the Red Cross says.
Rains caused by Typhoon Durian brought mud and rocks down hillsides, burying two villages in the foothills of the Mayon volcano, south-east of Manila.
Rains caused by Typhoon Durian brought mud and rocks down hillsides, burying two villages in the foothills of the Mayon volcano, south-east of Manila.
Five other villages were also affected, and as the search for the survivors continues, the death toll may rise.
Five other villages were also affected, and as the search for the survivors continues, the death toll may rise.
In September, nearly 200 people were killed when Typhoon Xangsane hit the north and centre of the country.
In September, nearly 200 people were killed when Typhoon Xangsane hit the north and centre of the country.
The mudslides hit Albay province, with main casualties occurring in the villages of Daraga, Busay and Santo Domingo.
The mudslides hit Albay province, with main casualties occurring in the villages of Daraga, Busay and Santo Domingo.
The area affected is near the city of Legaspi, 350km (220 miles) from the capital, Manila.
The area affected is near the city of Legaspi, 350km (220 miles) from the capital, Manila.
Disaster zone
Disaster zone
"Our initial reports showed a total of 146 people were killed in three areas buried by mudslides," the head of local Red Cross Richard Gordon told Reuters news agency.
"Our initial reports showed a total of 146 people were killed in three areas buried by mudslides," the head of local Red Cross Richard Gordon told Reuters news agency.
He said at least 75 people were still missing across Albay province.
He said at least 75 people were still missing across Albay province.
The head of the national office of civil defence, Glen Rabonza, warned that the death toll could be as high as 200.
The head of the national office of civil defence, Glen Rabonza, warned that the death toll could be as high as 200.
He said 200 body bags were being shipped to the disaster zone at the request of provincial officials.
He said 200 body bags were being shipped to the disaster zone at the request of provincial officials.
Helicopters carried out aerial surveillance in cut-off areas after mobile phone signals failed and power lines went down.
Helicopters carried out aerial surveillance in cut-off areas after mobile phone signals failed and power lines went down.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the military to assist medical teams in reaching submerged villages.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the military to assist medical teams in reaching submerged villages.
Typhoon Durian caused havoc across the central and northern Philippines after it hit the archipelago on Thursday.
Typhoon Durian caused havoc across the central and northern Philippines after it hit the archipelago on Thursday.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said farmers in the coconut, rice and hemp-growing region had suffered around $10 million (£5 million) in losses.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said farmers in the coconut, rice and hemp-growing region had suffered around $10 million (£5 million) in losses.
Illegal logging and mining raises the risk of mudslides during the typhoon season.
Illegal logging and mining raises the risk of mudslides during the typhoon season.
Durian - named after a spiky Asian fruit - is the fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in as many months.
Durian - named after a spiky Asian fruit - is the fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in as many months.
It is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it moves into the South China Sea.
It is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it moves into the South China Sea.
The Philippines is hit by about 20 typhoons every year.
The Philippines is hit by about 20 typhoons every year.
Are you in the area of Mayon? Have you been affected by Typhoon Durian? Send us your comments and experiences.Have you been affected by this incident? If you have any information that you'd like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below.
