A powerful typhoon has caused floods and set off mudslides that killed at least 74 people in the Philippines and forced thousands to flee their homes.
Typhoon Bopha, the strongest storm to hit the nation this year made landfall on the east coast of Mindanao island early Tuesday packing winds of more than 200 kilometers per hour that toppled trees and cut power lines. Floods swept away an army truck full of soldiers many of whom drowned.
Some 41,000 residents were evacuated to government shelters ahead of the landfall. At least 80 domestic flights have been cancelled, while ships were ordered to stay in port..
Joe Curry, the head of Catholic Relief Services in the Philippines, said authorities seem more prepared to deal with this storm compared to last year's Tropical Storm Washi, which killed more than 1,200 people.
Watch related video of Typhoon Bopha
"So far there's been more preparedness efforts at this time, but I think we're going to see the damage [reports] come out later today and tomorrow," said Curry. "I know there's been a lot of efforts at evacuating, but we'll have to see how the infrastructure holds up."
Forecasters say the storm is expected to weaken and move into the South China Sea by Thursday. Philippines authorities say they have stockpiled food supplies and rescue equipment in the storm's predicted path.
During last year's Tropical Storm Washi in December 2011, major flash floods and landslides wiped out entire villages on Mindanao. The archipelago country is vulnerable to severe flooding caused by heavy rains and tsunamis.
Relatives grieve as they view bodies recovered from floods in New Bataan, Compostela Valley province, southern Philippines, December 5, 2012.
A rescuer covers bodies recovered from a flash flood in New Bataan, Compostela Valley province, southern Philippines, December 5, 2012.
Filipino soldiers search for victims and survivors amid the devastation left by Typhoon Bopha, in the village of Andap, New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, December 5, 2012.
Residents cross a river in the flash flood-hit village of Andap, New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, December 5, 2012.
Residents cross a river using suspended ropes at Andap, New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, December 5, 2012, a day after Typhoon Bopha made landfall.
Residents wait for relief supplies at the flash flood-hit village of Andap, New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, December 5, 2012, a day after the devastating Typhoon Bopha made landfall.
Residents make their way through a flooded area of New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines, December 5, 2012, a day after Typhoon Bopha made landfall.
Philippine National Police clear a highway of toppled coconut trees after Typhoon Bopha made landfall in Compostela Valley, December 4, 2012.
Workers clear a highway of toppled trees after Typhoon Bopha made landfall in Compostela Valley, Philippines, December 4, 2012.
Residents retrieve their belongings after their house was destroyed by a fallen tree caused by Typhoon Bopha in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, December 4, 2012.
Residents saw an uprooted tree to clear the road after Typhoon Bopha hit Tagum City, Philippines, December 4, 2012.
A dog is chained near a damaged house after Typhoon Bopha made landfall in Compostela Valley, December 4, 2012.