'Yolanda' death toll rises to 5,235; over 1,600 still missing

MANILA, Philippines - The government on Saturday announced that the number of those who perished because of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" has risen to 5,235 and may still climb.

The number of missing is 1,613 while 23,501 were injured.

According to the latest update of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 2,157,529 families or 10,009,000 people were affected in 10,724 villages in 44 provinces.

Of the total number affected, 74,842 families or 347, 426 people are staying in 1,382 evacuation centers.

The total number of houses destroyed was 552,419, while 560,312 were damaged.

The total cost of damage was estimated at P22.47 million.

On November 8, the strongest typhoon this year landfall over the central Philippines. The typhoon felled communications and power lines, as well as brought about storm surges of some 15 to 20 foot high.