Typhoon Durian

The fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in 3 months has left a trail of death and destruction across the country. At least 146 are known to have lost their lives in floods, mudslides or by being hit by flying debris. Winds gusted up to 165 mph and destroyed houses, brought down powerlines. The situation is apparently exacerbated by illegal logging and mining, increasing the risk of floods and mudslides.

The situation around Mount Mayon, a recently active volcano, is particularly desperate, as about 5 villages were engulfed in a torrent of mud. More details in this BBC Report.

Incidentally, durian is a fruit with a particularly pungent and fetid smell, although it is reported to have a very nice taste. Read this CNN report how a box of durian triggered a security alert on board an airliner.