Philippines hit by first typhoon

THE first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year flooded parts of the capital, toppled power lines and killed at least 22 people yesterday, many of them trying to scramble to safety as the storm changed course.

Twelve people were missing, including 10 fishermen whose boats were overturned by waves.

More than half of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes Manila, was without electricity, and authorities said it would take two to three days to restore power.