Philippines floods and landslides leave at least 12 dead

Floods and landslides have claimed at least 12 lives in the Philippines, with eight people still missing, according to authorities. The devastating impact has affected over half a million individuals in 33 provinces, as the southwest monsoon, intensified by two tropical cyclones, continues to wreak havoc. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in the affected areas.

In the mountainous city of Baguio on the main island of Luzon, four people lost their lives and six others remain unaccounted for after a landslide engulfed several houses. The city's public information office reported the incident on Facebook and informed that a dozen additional landslide incidents have been documented in Baguio City amid the ongoing heavy rainfall. As of now, around 150 rescuers are working in shifts to conduct search and rescue operations, the council added.

In response to the widespread flooding, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government employees to work from home, while officials were directed to implement alternative learning modes for schools in Metro Manila and more than a dozen provinces. The heavy rains have caused significant flooding of towns and major roads across the country.