Deadly floods swamp Manila claims at least 7 lives

Massive flooding hit the Philippines capital last night as typhoon winds and rains isolated the historic old city where residents waded in waist-deep waters, dodging tree branches and debris.

At least seven people were killed.

Authorities ordered more than 100,000 people across the country to shelter from Typhoon Nesat's rains and wind gusts of up to 170km/h.

Schools and offices were closed and thousands were stranded by grounded flights and ferries kept in ports.

The typhoon first hit the eastern mountainous provinces of Isabela and Aurora, which face the Pacific Ocean, then headed inland through farmlands north of Manila, the Government weather bureau said. It unleashed sustained winds of 140km/h.

The first reported death was a 1-year-old who drowned in the central island province of Cataduanes after falling into a river, the Government disaster agency reported.

As the typhoon moved into Manila, a mother and child died after their house was hit by a falling tree in the suburb of Caloocan, and four were reported killed by a collapsing wall in the suburb of Valenzuela. SOURCE