388 swept in Philippines typhoon

LEGASPI—A devastating torrent of mud and volcanic ash triggered by typhoon rains swamped villages and swept at least 388 people to their deaths, Red Cross officials in the Philippines said on Friday.
Another 96 are still missing, Red Cross spokeswoman Teresa Arguelles said, with all the deaths occurring in the eastern province of Albay in the eastern Bicol region. With power and communications still down in large parts and flights remaining cancelled, rescuers battled against time to reach areas ravaged by typhoon Durian. Albay governor Fernando Gonzales said the death toll was expected to rise, as more reports from isolated villages trickle in. “It doesn’t look like there are still survivors,” Gonzales told local television. “We are not very optimistic.” The mudslides triggered by Durian’s rains reached as high as rooftops when they poured down from Mount Mayon volcano, around 350 kilometres (217 miles) south-east of Manila, witnesses said. Rescuers using shovels and makeshift equipment, dug out bodies and covered them with plastic.—Agencies