THE death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year has risen to 18 as the disaster agency warned Saturday of 'severe damage' in the hardest-hit areas.More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Typhoon 'Odette' ravaged the southern and central regions of the country, knocking out communications in many areas and toppling concrete power poles.
Philippine Coast Guard has shared photos on social media showing widespread destruction around Surigao, with roofs torn off buildings, wooden structures shattered and palm trees stripped of fronds.Aerial footage showed swathes of rice fields under water.Dinagat Vice Governor Nilo Demerey told broadcaster ABS-CBN the storm devastated the island near Siargao and left at least six people dead.