At least 30 people were killed in landslides and flash floods as tropical storm Jangmi slowly crossed the southern and central Philippines, dumping heavy rain for a second day on Tuesday, officials said.
Rivers burst their banks and submerged villages in floods up to “neck-deep” while hillsides crashed onto homes and highways, officials said.
Some residents in vulnerable areas ignored evacuation warnings, Stephany Uy-Tan, mayor of the town of Catbalogan in Samar province, told DZMM radio.
“The rains were really strong and people thought the storm won’t be too strong based on the news,” she said.
Twelve people were killed after a landslide buried two vans on a mountainside highway in Catbalogan, she said. “Rescuers report hearing voices from the rubble,” she said.
Jangmi, which was forecast to bring up to 15 millimetres (0.6 inches) of rain per hour, barrelled through fishing and tourist areas on Tuesday, a day after it smashed into the mountainous southeastern region on Mindanao island.
Thousands were evacuated ahead of the storm’s arrival, with most expected to be sent home later Tuesday as floodwaters start to recede, officials said.
