Streets turned into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi blows past Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi triggers deadly floods and landslides in the Philippines, prompting evacuations and relief efforts in Manila.

Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering floods in Manila and deadly landslips as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon.

Rescuers were deployed across the densely populated capital to help evacuate people from low-lying homes after downpours turned streets into rivers, trapping vehicles.

People clutched flimsy umbrellas as they waded through thigh-deep murky water or used small boats and shopping trolleys to move around.

"The disturbance it caused is great. The waters reached the second floor of our house," Nora Clet, a resident, said.

Restaurant employee Rex Morano said he was not able to work due to the "very high" floodwaters.

A state of calamity was declared for Manila, unlocking funds for relief efforts, after the state weather forecaster warned of "serious flooding" in some areas.

Government offices were shut and classes suspended, more than 100 domestic and international flights were cancelled, and tens of thousands of customers lost power because of the weather.