Manila: Officials say the death toll from a tropical storm that hit the Philippines this week has risen to 41, while 26 fishermen remain missing.
Civil defence chief Benito Ramos said on Friday that Tropical Storm Nock-ten left more than 1 billion pesos (about USD 24 million) in damage to infrastructure and agriculture after sweeping through the northern Philippines.
Regional disaster officer Raffy Alejandro said all the major highways in the hard-hit Bicol region southeast of Manila are now clear of flood waters and debris and electricity has been restored in most areas.
Three coast guard vessels and a helicopter are searching waters off central Masbate province for 19 fishermen from a boat that capsized on Wednesday. Another seven fishermen are missing elsewhere.
Bureau Report
