Rain cause deadly floods, landslides in Philippines

Manila: Weeklong rains have triggered flash floods, landslides and sea surge across the Philippines, leaving at least nine people dead and another nine missing.

The national disaster agency reported on Wednesday six family members were killed in a landslide over the weekend in Northern Samar province while a small boat with seven on board was reported missing in rough seas.

The agency said other casualties included a 5-year-old who drowned in eastern Catanduanes province. More than 21,000 residents have sought temporary shelter in evacuation centres.

The local Red Cross said a powerful sea surge of nearly 4 to 7 metres washed away about 150 coastal houses in La Union province north of Manila on Sunday but there were no casualties.