Storm floods parts of Philippines; markets, schools shut

MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) — Heavy rains caused flooding in some parts of the Philippine capital and nearby provinces, strangling traffic and forcing the closure of financial markets, government offices and schools on Tuesday (September 12) as a storm swept across the main Luzon island.

The weather bureau raised storm warning signals over Manila and 19 provinces in Luzon as a tropical cyclone with winds up to 60 kilometres per hour (kph) made landfall before noon over the eastern province of Quezon.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of residents in some towns submerged by floodwater in Quezon and in Laguna, where 13 people were reported missing, local media reported.

The weather bureau said it was also keeping an eye on typhoon Talim which is packing winds of up to 120 kph and is moving toward the country’s northern tip.