Typhoon Nesat kills 31 in Philippines

Nesat battered northern Philippines Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and high winds that caused landslides and widespread flooding. The typhoon left the Philippines Wednesday evening and was now moving towards south China, Xinhua reported citing weather forecasters.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said most of the fatalities were from the Central Luzon, Cordillera and Manila regions.

In Manila, torrential rains filled the streets with waist-deep water, destroyed several shops and knocked down trees. In northern Cordillera, 61 roads were blocked due to landslides and flooding.

The initial cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounted to around 985 million pesos ($22.5 million). Many roads in northern Philippines remain impassable, while several areas were still without electricity.