Deadly typhoon lashes the Philippines

Wednesday, July 16, 2014, 9:57 AM - The death toll continues to climb after Typhoon Rammasun slams the Philippines.

Officials say over 350,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as damaging winds brought down trees, electric posts and ripped off roofs across the densely populated capital city of Manila.

Storm surges and mudslides are also an ongoing concern.

Forecasters say the typhoon weakened before pushing toward northern Vietnam or China's Hainan Island Wednesday, but it could regain strength while crossing the South China Sea.

.@AP Photos: Residents navigate flooded areas caused by Typhoon Rammasun near Quezon in the Philippines pic.twitter.com/EANNjpKdVI

— Michael Rusch (@weeddude) July 16, 2014

So far there have been no immediate estimates of the damage in communities that have been pummeled by wind and rain, but officials say it was the strongest storm to hit the country this year.

With last year's massive devastation and deaths from Typhoon Haiyan still in many people's mind, officials said 373,000 people readily evacuated after being told of the danger, The Associated Press reports.

Haiyan left at least 6,300 people dead and more than 1,000 missing.

Rammasun, the Thai term for god of thunder, is the seventh storm to batter the Philippines this year.

With files from The Associated Press