Heavy Storms Kill Dozens In Philippines

Heavy rains and flood in the Philippines have left at least 25 dead and many more missing, as well as destroying the homes of around half a million people.

Tropical storm Nock-Ten caused floods and landslides across the island of Luzon, the water waist-deep in some areas.

Power supplies were also affected and many flights and ferries were cancelled, leaving around 1,600 ferry passengers stranded.

Tens of thousands of people sought shelter in schools and public buildings.

Many of the missing are poor fishermen who ventured out to sea despite the stormy weather.

A fishing boat with 32 men on board capsized in rough waters off central Masbate province early Wednesday.

Ten fishermen were rescued but the coast guard has not found the others, bringing the number of missing in the storm to 31, national civil defence administrator Benito Ramos said.

One woman also died after a poisonous snake was swept into her home by a flashflood.

The storm is expected to blow out of the country to the South China Sea by Thursday, and workers have begun removing trees, rocks and other debris blocking roads on the islands.

An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, killing people and destroying infrastructure, property and crops. The typhoons have been striking with greater intensity in recent years.