Philippines floods: Half of Manila submerged

Torrential downpours continue around the Philippine capital Manila, where at least 50 people have died in severe floods since Typhoon Saola struck a week ago.

With waters reaching waist deep, more than 270,000 people have fled their homes.

The Philippine army has been drafted in to assist the rescue operation. Emergency teams have resorted to using rafts and makeshift boats to rescue people from the city’s slums.

Tens of thousands of the capital’s residents have been moved into emergency shelters.

But officials are struggling to deliver food and other relief supplies because of the extent of the flooding.
More than half of Manila was submerged. The only major road linking the city to the north of the country was closed.

Nine provincial areas around the city have declared a state of emergency.

As the rescue operation continues, forecasters warn
of more heavy rain over the next few days.

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