Two dead as Typhoon Songda leaves Philippines

Typhoon Songda is leaving the Philippines with two people dead and tons of crops and property destroyed.

Benito Ramos, executive officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, identified the two casualties as Jaime Torillos, 70, and Emmanuel Macaro, 27.

Songda also damaged 11.46 million pesos (263,448 U.S. dollars) worth of crops and properties.

Ramos said Songda affected 67,514 families in eastern and southern Philippines. Of the affected population, 53,792 families are from the Bicol region where authorities effected a pre-emptive evacuation of people who are living in flood and landslide prone areas.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Songda is moving towards the north, and as of 1 p.m., local time, is now located 200 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

PAGASA expects Songda to exit Philippine territory early Sunday.

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