Flash floods kill at least 650 in Philippines; 800 still missing

[marmar]

ILIGAN, PHILIPPINES — As a storm that killed more than 650 in the southern Philippines raged outside the store where she works, Amor Limbago worriedly called home to check on her parents, but their cellphones just kept ringing and later went dead.

Limbago, 21, rushed home as soon as the flash floods receded and confirmed her worst fear: Her parents and seven other relatives were gone, swept away from their hut by the river. They had eagerly planned a small Christmas dinner in that hut just days earlier.

“I returned and saw that our house was completely gone,” a weeping Limbago told the Associated Press from Cagayan de Oro city. “There was nothing but mud all over and knee-deep flood waters.”

Tropical Storm Washi blew away Sunday after devastating a wide swath of the mountainous region on Mindanao island, which is unaccustomed to major storms. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1103818--flash-floods-kill-at-least-650-in-philippines-800-still-missing?bn=1