Manila, Dec 18 (IANS): The toll in a devastating typhoon in the Philippines Sunday rose to 497, the Red Cross said.
Typhoon Washi battered the Mindanao island Saturday night causing massive floods in the region. Some 160 people are still missing, Xinhua reported quoting the aid organisation.
The Philippine government, however, put the toll at 332.
Over 100,000 people in 11 provinces have been affected, emergency officials said.
Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities were the worst hit. Many of the victims were asleep when the floods hit their homes.
The storm was heading toward the South China Sea Sunday afternoon.