Deadly storm, Philippines

At least 126 people were killed when Typhoon Usman hit the Bicol Region in southern Philippines on Dec. 29. Officials had underestimated the storm, as it had low winds for a tropical storm, and did not classify it as a typhoon. However, the storm had heavier rains than expected, causing flooding and landslides, and people were unprepared due to the lesser classification. Across the country, the storm displaced more than 40,000 people.