Philippines hit by killer storms

Rescuers retrieve a body from a house crushed by a tree

By Manila correspondent John McLean

At least 18 people are now known to have been killed in severe storms that swept through the Philippines this week.

Relief officials in Manila said typhoon Kirogi and tropical storm Kai-Tak forced up to a million people from their homes during five days of heavy rains.

Typhoon Kirogi, is now moving towards Japan and is expected to hit the islands and coastal areas near Tokyo by Saturday morning.

Pedicab drivers battle with the floods

Of the 18 known victims in the Philippines, some drowned, some died in landslides and one was electrocuted by a downed power line.

The rains have deluged the north of the country, leaving many low-lying areas under water, including parts of the capital, Manila.

In many places, roads have been cut and electricity supplies disrupted.

Monsoon

The two tropical depressions both contributed to the disruption.

First, typhoon Kirogi struck northern regions a glancing blow.

Soon afterwards, tropical storm Kai-Tak added to the downpour.

These weather systems have given a boost to ordinary rain-bearing monsoon rains.

So, although both tropical depressions are now heading away from the Philippines, the capital and surrounding areas are still having to cope with the deluge.

On average, the country is hit by about 20 tropical depressions every year, and dozens of lives are lost.