Typhoon Bopha slammed into the Philippines with wind gusts of 130 m.p.h. destroying homes, flooding towns and causing lethal mudslides.

At least 43 are dead and 25 reported injured in the village of Andap according to local news sources. A “torrent of water” rushed down a bordering mountain and swept through the town. The regional governor said some of the dead and wounded are villagers who sheltered in the village hall only to have the facility destroyed by the flood waters.

An Army truck with soldiers and civilians was also swept away in the torrent.

Officials expect the final death and injury toll to be much higher once officials can reach villages left stranded by flood waters and mudslides.

A military spokesman said a flash flood at a military base has left 20 people missing including six soldiers.

Domestic flights and ferry service to the areas have been suspended with schools & businesses closed.

Officials said the evacuations of 40,000 people from coastal and flood prone areas contributed to the lower death toll.