Toll in Xangsane typhoon rises to 169

Hanoi: Flooding killed dozens of people after Typhoon Xangsane hit the Philippines and Vietnam, officials said on Thursday as the combined toll rose to at least 169 with 79 others missing.

The Vietnam government said 59 people died and seven people were missing after the typhoon hit on Sunday.

Nearly 320,000 homes were destroyed or submerged. The government estimated the damage at $624 million

The typhoon's fierce winds and rain also brought parts of the Philippines, including the capital Manila, to a standstill.

Fatal flash floods forced schools and markets to close, and grounded flights and vessels. The floods cut off roads and phone lines.

At least 110 people were killed, 88 injured and 72 were missing, officials said on Thursday.

More than 2.3 million people were affected by the typhoon and about 80,000 remained in temporary shelters after losing their homes in the disaster.