Thousands of Filipinos in Mindanao celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in evacuation centers after severe Tropical Storm Vinta (Tembin) struck. Death toll has risen over 120, while tens of thousands lost their homes.
Vinta made landfall on Dec. 21 over the Mindanao province Surigao Del Sur. The tropical storm then made its way to heavily damaged neighboring provinces like Lanao Del Norte and Lanao Del Sur.
According to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of 123 persons have been confirmed dead and 160 persons are still missing. Rescuers, the army, and the police have been working together to search for the ones still missing.
The relentless storm resulted in sudden flash floods and landslides across areas located in southern Philippines. Several publications in the country have reported that the death toll has already crossed 200.
The tropical storm affected over 540,000 families from 998 across Mindanao and Visayas. Almost 100,000 persons are currently seeking shelter inside 261 evacuation centers. Vinta is already recorded as one of the deadliest storms to hit the southeast Asian nation.
Lanao Del Sur's capital Marawi city has also been severely affected by the area. The city is still recovering from damages caused by the armed conflict between the Philippine army and the terrorist group, Maute. The military were successful in recovering the city, but thousands of people are still without a home.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Vinta is now out of the Philippines area of responsibilities.
Tembin is now making its way to southern Vietnam and just in time for Christmas. According to AccuWeather, "Despite weakening prior to landfall, Tembin may still target a part of southern Vietnam with flooding rain, local damaging winds and coastal flooding. Residents will be bracing for these dangers instead of celebrating Christmas."
