Philippines suffering from heavy flooding and landslides due to torrential downpours
Torrential downpours and heavy flooding have hit the Philippines capital city of Manila.
CNN reports that typical monsoon season rains have combined with Tropical Storm Haikui to cause the deadly floods and landslides of the past 24 hours.
Manila has already received about 20 inches of rain and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is warning residents of another day of the same conditions. Dams near Manila have already begun to overflow.
President Benigno Aquino has closed the national rail system, government offices and schools until the crisis subsides.
BBC News reports that “tens of thousands of people” have been forced from their homes and most are staying in emergency shelters.
Earlier today, a landslide in Quezon City, a suburb of Manila, buried 13 people, leaving nine dead. Eric Baran, part of the police rescue force, told Reuters, “As of now, it’s difficult to rescue the trapped residents, as we are battling strong currents with our life crafts.”
The Philippines is no stranger to the deadly effects of tropical storms. In December, the southern part of the country was hit by Tropical Storm Washi, which left 1,200 dead and destroyed entire villages.
