Filipino relatives in Australia are anxious to hear from loved ones in the Philippines after death toll from Typhoon Rai climbs to 146.
"My last communication with my family is when my niece told me that the walls of the house was shaking and the wind was likely to tear the roof off."
Juna Neville, who lives in Adelaide, is frantically trying to get in touch with her family in Danao, Bohol. She had a brief contact with a friend who managed to travel to Tagbiliran town proper, three hours away from where her mum and siblings live.
Highlights
- As of Monday, at least 146 people were reported to have lost their lives due to Typhoon Rai.
- Families, charities and emergency services have appealed for help and donations.
- More than 200 towns and cities across the Philippines remain without electricity and means of communication.
Tagbiliran is the only place with phone reception in the area and Juna's friend was able to send her photos of her hometown. Fallen trees, roofs, damaged electric posts and, debris littered every corner of their small village.
"I keep thinking about them. I'm not concerned about our house. I'm concerned about my family because my mum is old and my brother's house is damaged"
Governor Arthur Yap of Bohol warned of shortages of food and appealed for hundreds of generators to help the province deal with a critical shortage of drinking water.
According to tallies from local officials, at least 146 people have been reportedly killed due to Odette, which also caused the displacement of over 200,000 families.
