MANILA: Two persons died after their boat capsized during bad weather in Isabela provinces in Northern Philippines, a government report said as Northern Luzon continues to suffer from effects of typhoon Usagi (local name: Odette).

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 50-year-old Alejandro Abalos and April Kim Manuel drowned after their boat, the MV Mikee Rose 1 capsized early morning on Friday in Isabela.

Two other persons, Elenita, 52 and Suzette, 28, both surnamed Abalos, remain missing several hours after the mishap.

Typhoon Usagi, the most powerful typhoon to affect the country this year, made its presence felt in the Philippines starting on Friday as the weather disturbance brought in 175 kilometres per hour winds and rains of 10 to 20 millimetres per hour.

While Usagi is on its way to Hong Kong after lashing Taiwan as of Sunday afternoon, the Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the weather disturbance will continue to drench Metro Manila and surrounding provinces including Bulacan, Bataan, Batangas, Pampanga, and Zambales.

PAGASA said the passage of the typhoon in the Philippines enhanced the southwest monsoon causing rainfall.

A number of landslides were also reported in Northern Philippines, causing casualties and closing roads.

In Manila, moderate to heavy rains that continued for several hours caused flooding with some major thoroughfares suffering gutter-deep floods, stranding passengers.

The moderate to heavy rainfall spawned by the combined effects of the passing Usagi and the southwest monsoon also caused delays and cancellation of international flights.

According to the department of Transportation and Communications, at least 30 international flights, particularly those destined or from Taiwan , Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong, had been affected as a result of the inclement weather conditions. However, no domestic flights were cancelled.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing that all public storm warning signals are now lifted because Usagi is out of the Philippine area of responsibility.

“The NDRRMC continues to do this and to lend the necessary assistance to local government units that asked for our help.”

Typhoon Usagi is the 15th weather disturbance to affect the country this year.