Manila: In a tragic event, the strongest typhoon has hit the Philippines surging the death toll to 208. 

At least 239 people were injured and 52 were missing after Typhoon Rai ravaged the southern and central regions of the archipelago the police tally showed. 

More than 300,000 have left their homes. It is learned that the homes, hospitals, schools, and community buildings have been ripped to shreds. The storm tore off roofs, uprooted trees, toppled concrete power poles, smashed wooden houses to pieces, and flooded villages. Electricity also has been knocked out, affecting water-refiling stations and ATMs. Thousands of military police, coast guard, and fire personnel have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts. 

The Philippines -- ranked among the globe's most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change -- is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes, and infrastructure in already impoverished areas.