Typhoon death toll could be 600 in Philippines

Typhoon death toll may rise to 600 in Philippines
Marketwatch - December 02, 2006 12:20 PM ET


NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Officials said Saturday they feared the death toll from Typhoon Durian could rise to 600, two days after the massive storm caused mud and boulders to bury mountain villages in the Philippines.

Some 300 have been confirmed dead, but officials say there's dwindling hope that the 300 people still missing will be found alive.

The number of people killed could increase as rescue operations continue 210 miles southeast of Manila in the northern part of the country.

Funerals began taking place Saturday even as the country's Disaster Coordinating Council reported 165 dead in the town of Guinobatan, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Another 66 were reported dead in three towns on the slopes of Volcano Mayon. At least 300 more were missing.

"We need food, tents, water, body bags," Philippine National Red Cross official Andrew Nocon told DZMM radio, the AP reported. "We sent initially 300 bags, but we need more."

Typhoon Durian slammed into the region with winds of 139 mph and drenching rain on Thursday, causing mudslides, uprooting trees and destroying houses.