Manila Underwater: Typhoon Gaemi Causes Chaos in the Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi has caused severe flooding in Manila and nearby cities in the Philippines, leading to school and office closures and flight cancellations. At least 12 people have died and over 600,000 are displaced. Authorities have declared a state of calamity and are mobilizing emergency services.

Heavy rain from Typhoon Gaemi has flooded the Philippine capital Manila and nearby cities, forcing authorities to shut schools, offices, and cancel flights on Wednesday, declaring a state of calamity in a region home to 13 million people. The storm, which is strengthening as it gusts towards Taiwan, did not make landfall in the Philippines but has intensified seasonal monsoon rains, causing landslides and flooding.

At least 12 people have died and more than 600,000 are displaced due to the storm, known locally as Typhoon Carina, the national disaster agency reports. Water in some areas is neck-high.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr urged disaster relief agencies to provide assistance and ready supplies for isolated communities. The mayors of 16 cities in Greater Manila have requested emergency funding. In Marikina, emergency workers waded through waist-deep waters using rubber dinghies to rescue residents.

Residents sought shelter in churches among Catholic saint statues. 'The flood reached the second floor of our house, all our things are ruined,' evacuee Ladylyn Bernas told Reuters. Social media posts depict vehicles stuck in water or floating down streets and highways.

(With inputs from agencies.)