New storm brings flash floods, landslides to Philippines

Manila: Tropical Storm Tembin brought heavy rains, triggering landslides and flash floods in the northern Philippines, just weeks after a series of deadly storms and monsoon rains, the government said on Monday.

The storm, which was expected to intensify into a typhoon, remained almost stationary off the northern tip of the main Philippine island of Luzon, battering the mountainous region with powerful downpours.

The storm caused landslides, damaging eight major highways, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in a statement. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Tembin, packing maximum winds of 105 kilometres (66 miles) per hour with gusts of up to 135 kph, was expected to remain off the northern tip of Luzon for more than a day, the council added.

Local communities were warned to monitor the levels of rivers and streams in their area and prepare for evacuations in case they begin to rise.

Storms and torrential rains have left at least 170 people dead this month.

An average of 20 tropical storms or typhoons hit the Philippines each year.