Philippines - tropical storm Ketsana

At least ten dead as storms lash Philippines

Article published on the 2009-09-26 Latest update 2009-09-26 14:39 TU

A boy swims in flood waters caused by continuous rains brought on by tropical storm Ketsana in Manila
(Photo: Reuters)

At least ten people are reported dead and more than 1,800 have been evacuated by tropical storm Ketsana which hit the eastern Philippines Saturday.

The government declared Manila and 25 other provinces to be in a "state of calamity," Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said. Heavy rainstorms have caused the worst flooding for 20 years in the capital.

A wall, weakened by floodwaters, collapsed in a suburb of Manila, killing a father and child. And five children drowned in flooding elsewhere in the city, according to radio station DZMM.

Three other people were swept away by a swollen river outside the capital, the radio reported, while power was cut in many parts of the city.

Over 1,800 people have fled to evacuation centres, according to the civil defence office.

Rescue teams are struggling to reach people stranded on the roofs of their houses but stranded vehicles are making their task more difficult.

"If you are on the roof, don't try to leave. Just remain there on the roof and we will do everything to rescue you," Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in a radio broadcast.

One of the three airport terminals in Manila was forced to cancel and divert flights after the flooding damaged its electrical system.

The storm is expected to move west, across the main island of Luzon, before leaving the country early Sunday.