The death toll from a typhoon that struck the Philippines last week has climbed to 36, the government said Sunday, adding it plans to include the storm in a study about the possible effects of climate change. Typhoon Cha-hom weakened into a low pressure area over the weekend after roaring across the country's mountainous north Friday, Associated Press reported. Glenn Rabonza, administrator of the government's Office of Civil Defense, said in a typhoon aftermath report that the storm killed 36 people and forced nearly 15,000 to flee. About 5,500 houses were destroyed and more than 16,700 others were damaged. Most of the deaths were caused by landslides, drowning and flying debris, Rabonza said.
