Photos: Thousands evacuated as tropical storm batters Philippines
Al Jazeera
Officials say at least 14 people have been killed in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Trami flooded villages, inundated rivers and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes as it approached the eastern coast.
Philippine rescuers waded through chest-deep floodwaters Wednesday to reach residents trapped by the tropical storm.
Torrential rain has turned streets into rivers, submerged entire villages and buried some vehicles in volcanic sediment set loose by the downpour.
At least 12 people have died in the city of Naga, police chief Erwin Rebellon said over the phone, adding that details of the circumstances were still being gathered.
The regional civil defence office reported two more fatalities in other parts of the Bicol region. A 22-year-old died in Palanas in Masbate province after being hit by a tree branch, and a 71-year-old man was killed in Bagamonoc in Catanduanes province after falling from the roof of his house. Five fishermen were reported missing.
