At least 40 dead in Philippines flooding

At least 40 people have been killed after Tropical Storm Ketsana dumped more than 16 inches (40 centimetres) of rain on the Philippine capital, Manila, in just 12 hours, officials said today.

Tony Mateo, a spokesman for the nearby Rizal provincial government, said flash floods and a landslide killed 35 people in five townships in the province. He said 27 others are missing.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez, who is the acting head of the Office of Civil Defence, said five others were killed in the capital, Manila.

Chief government weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz said 16.7 inches (42.4 centimetres) of rain fell on Manila in just 12 hours today, more than the 15.4-inch (39.2-cm.) average for the entire month of September.