Tropical storm Megi hits Philippines: 25 dead

At least 25 people were killed in landslides and floods triggered by tropical storm Megi when it reached the Philippines’ eastern and southern coasts on Monday, according to Philippine authorities.

The storm, dubbed Agaton in the Philippines, made landfall on Sunday with sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour (49 mph). Megi is the archipelago’s first storm of the year, with an average of 20 such storms per year.

The bodies of 22 persons were discovered after being buried under a landslide in the eastern province of Leyte, according to Joemen Collado, the police chief of Baybay city.

Three people have also perished in the southern Davao region, according to the national disaster agency, which stated the reported casualties are still being verified.

“There were landslides in communities and then some of the victims were swept by floods,” Collado said, adding that rescue operations are ongoing as at least six more people are missing.

Rescuers wading through partially submerged homes and digging for survivors in a landslide-hit area, according to images provided by the local fire department on Monday.

Tropical storm Megi is expected to weaken to 45 kph and move back out over sea on Tuesday, the state weather bureau said.