Philippine floods death toll rises to 240

The death toll from huge floods in the Philippines has risen to 240, the government said on Tuesday, up 100 from the previous day's tally.

The death toll from huge floods in the Philippines has risen to 240, the government said on Tuesday, up 100 from the previous day's tally.

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The sharp spike came after more than 90 deaths were recorded in the nation's capital, Manila, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said in a statement.

Tropical storm Ketsana dumped the heaviest rains in more than 40 years on Manila and neighbouring parts of Luzon island on Saturday.

Many of the victims drowned in the floods, while others were electrocuted or killed in landslides, the council said.

Thirty-seven people remained missing today while five others were injured, according to the council.

Ketsana affected 1.87 million of the country's 92 million people, with 374,890 of them now sheltering in makeshift evacuation camps, it said.