Flash floods hit the Philippines by Jay Wynne
Days of persistent and heavy rain across southern, central and western Philippines has led to flash flooding and mudslides, which have killed two people and forced thousands from their homes.
The recent heavy rain across much of the country has been attributed to Typhoon Rammasun which has been hurtling towards Japan over the last few days. Rammasun, which is the name for the god of thunder in Thailand, reached category two strength two days ago. Rammasun is the third tropical storm of the season in the northwest Pacific.
Outer rain bands of Rammasun’s western edge were responsible for the torrential rain and thunderstorms that lashed the country. One of the worst affected areas is the town of Ilog in the Negros Occidental province where nearly 3,000 people were evacuated.
Rammasun has now weakened considerably and is expected to bypass Japan as it moves northeast into the Pacific and dissipates.
Forecasters expect further rain across the Philippines, though nothing as torrential as what has fallen over the past few days.
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