Tropical Storm Megi makes landfall in the Philippines, killing at least 25 people

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine authorities on Monday said at least 25 people have died in landslides and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Megi as it made landfall on the nation’s eastern and southern coasts. this Southeast Asian country.

The storm made landfall on Sunday with sustained winds of up to 40 mph and gusts of up to 49 mph. Megi is the first storm this year to make landfall on the archipelago, which is home to about 20 such storms annually.

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Baybay police chief Joemen Collado said that in Leyte province, east of Leyte province, the bodies of 22 people were recovered after being buried under a landslide.

The national disaster agency, which also said three people have died in the southern Davao area, said reported casualties were still being verified.

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

Pictures shared by the local fire department on Monday showed rescuers wading through near partially flooded homes and digging for survivors in a landslide-hit area.

Tropical Storm Megi is expected to weaken and move back into the sea on Tuesday, the state weather agency said.

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