Death toll from Typhoon Mirinae climbs to 16 in Philippines

Philippine authorities on Monday reported two more deaths from Typhoon Mirinae, which smashed into the storm-weary nation at the weekend, bringing the total number of those killed to 16.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council in Manila said the deaths were due mostly to drowning and occurred in suburban areas just south of Manila and in two eastern provinces.

Mirinae slammed into the Philippines' main Luzon island on Saturday, dumping heavy rain and bringing strong winds just weeks after two other major storms left about 1,100 dead and tens of thousands homeless.

The typhoon moved on a day later, heading across the South China Sea in the direction of Vietnam, the state weather agency said.

The evacuation of more than 115,000 people in the days before the typhoon struck had resulted in fewer casualties compared with the two other storms, the council said.

Most of those who were moved into evacuation sites have been trickling back to their homes since Sunday, it said.

Authorities however said relief and rehabilitation efforts would continue for the more than 87,000 people left homeless by the two previous storms and staying in evacuation centers.

Even before Mirinae hit, government said many outlying areas around Manila, which are home to more than one million people, would continue to be water-logged well into the New Year.

Mirinae came just weeks after tropical storm Ketsana caused massive flooding in Manila and surrounding areas on September 26.

A week later, typhoon Parma lashed northern Luzon, hovering over the area for a week and causing widespread destruction.