Philippines: 20 dead, 14 missing in cyclones and monsoon

Manila, September 18 (IANS): At least 20 people have died and 14 others are missing due to the combined impact of the southwest monsoon and the two recent tropical cyclones Ferdie and Gener, Philippine authorities said on Wednesday.

The National Disaster Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it had received reports that 20 people had died in five regions across the country. The figures are still being verified, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since last week, flooding due to bad weather has continued in some parts of the Philippines, including the province of Palawan.

The NDRRMC said the storm affected nearly 600,000 people in 12 regions across the country and the storms damaged 930 homes and infrastructure.

On average, the Philippines is hit by 20 typhoons each year.

The archipelago is prone to tropical cyclones that trigger heavy rains, floods and strong winds, causing casualties and destruction of crops and property.