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45 killed in Philippines landslides, floods
At least 45 people have been killed and 10 others are missing in landslides and flash floods in the Philippines after heavy rains.
At least 45 people have been killed and 10 others were missing in landslides and flash floods in the Philippines after heavy rains, relief and rescue officials said on Wednesday.
At least 19 people died in the eastern provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, collectively known as the Bicol region.
Fourteen people were killed in the worst hit province of Eastern Samar, 630 km southeast of Manila.
Twelve other people were reported killed in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Biliran, Samar, Leyte, Capiz and Misamis Oriental.
Most of the fatalities either drowned or were buried in landslide, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
More than 5,000 houses were either partially or totally destroyed and damages to property, infrastructure, and agriculture were estimated at 2.17 billion pesos ($54 million).
Official and non-governmental agencies rushed relief goods and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas, taking advantage of the good weather during the past three days.
The weather bureau warned of a wet summer in the country during the year due to the La Nina weather phenomenon. It also said that more storms and typhoons could hit the country during the year.
