According to the latest tallies, at least 1,249 people have died as a result of the Typhoon Washi, which struck the Philippines between Dec. 16-18. As the country's people try to make sense of the destruction, it's becoming clear that man-made illegal logging aided Mother Nature in her destruction.
Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III said that illegal logging-which hastens flash flooding after heavy rains strike-contributed to the typhoon's toll in Iligan City, where there are 283 dead and 406 missing, according to the Philippine Information Agency.
About 500 people died in forestlands around Mindanao, which PhilStar.com has pointed out is a hotbed for illegal logging.
"In his speech during the ceremonial distribution of relief goods at the Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) auditorium, Pres. Aquino said illegal activities must be stopped so that the disaster will not happen again," the Philippine Information Agency wrote.
