Deadly deluge strikes Philippines as Typhoon Gaemi fuels monsoon chaos, killing 12
- Gaemi, known locally as Carina, was forecast to reach its peak intensity before making landfall over Taiwan later on Wednesday
In the densely populated capital, rescuers were deployed across the city to help evacuate people from low-lying homes after downpours turned streets into rivers.
People clutched flimsy umbrellas as they waded through thigh-deep murky water or used small boats and shopping trolleys to move around.
Government offices were shut and classes suspended, while more than 70 domestic and international flights were cancelled because of the weather.
At least 12 people have died from floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains, the national disaster agency said on Wednesday.
“Many areas are flooded so we have rescuers deployed all over the city. There is an overwhelming number of people asking for help,” said Peachy de Leon, a disaster official in suburban Manila.
