Philippine storm death toll goes down to 1,249

By HRVOJE HRANJSKI

The Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine disaster management officials say the number of people who died in massive flash floods in the southern Mindanao region a week ago was smaller than earlier reported.

A Philippine army medic wearing a Santa hat prepares to examine a baby during a medical mission for flash flood victims at an evacuation center in Cagayan de Oro city, southern Philippines on Christmas day Sunday Dec. 25, 2011. Thousands of residents continue to be housed in evacuation centers after flash floods brought about by tropical storm Washi, that washed away their homes and killed more than a thousand people. The government disaster agency NDRRMC said more than a thousand others remain missing. (AP Photo/Froilan Gallardo)

Flash flood victims cross a river after receiving relief goods in Iligan city, southern Philippines on Christmas day Sunday Dec. 25, 2011. Thousands of residents continue to be housed in evacuation centers after flash floods triggered by tropical storm Washi, that washed away their homes and killed more than a thousand people. The government disaster agency NDRRMC said more than a thousand others remain missing. (AP Photo)

Flash flood victims walk back to their temporary shelter with relief goods in Iligan city, southern Philippines on Christmas day Sunday Dec. 25, 2011. Thousands of residents continue to be housed in evacuation centers after flash floods triggered by tropical storm Washi, that washed away their homes and killed more than a thousand people. The government disaster agency NDRRMC said more than a thousand others remain missing. (AP Photo)

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Civil Defense chief Benito Ramos said Tuesday that he has corrected an earlier death toll from the health department of nearly 1,500 to 1,249 based on an actual count of identified and unidentified bodies recovered by soldiers, police, firemen and other rescue workers.

He says the exact number of missing could no longer be determined but the search for bodies will continue.

He says rains overnight Monday over the eastern provinces of Mindanao have forced the evacuation of thousands of families, many by helicopter.

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December 27, 2011 05:46 AM EST

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