7 August 2012 Last updated at 03:41 ET

Philippine capital paralyzed by floods

Authorities said half of Manila had been hit by flooding

Flooding caused by torrential rain has paralyzed parts of the Philippine capital, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes and closing schools, offices and the stock exchange.

Casualties have been reported, with a number of people buried in a landslide in Manila and reports of other deaths elsewhere.

Officials said that water was up to waist and neck levels in some areas.

More than 50 people died after Typhoon Saola struck over a week ago.

Widespread flooding has been reported in the capital and the surrounding provinces, according to a statement from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

It said "the south-west monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm 'Haikui' located 300km [184 miles] north-east of Taiwan" was expected to bring more rain.

"Expect landslides/flash-floods in mountainous areas and floods in low-lying areas."

President Benigno Aquino met civil defense officials to discuss the situation. "Everybody who is supposed to do something is doing what he is supposed to do," he said.

The severity of the rain since Monday afternoon - in an already saturated city - has led officials to issue the highest level of alert, says the BBC's Kate McGeown in Manila.

For many Manila residents, these rains will be a reminder of the deadly floods caused by Typhoon Ketsana in 2009, which killed more than 400 people, our correspondent adds.

Casualties

Local media said several members of one family had been killed or were missing after a landslide hit shanty houses in Quezon City in Manila.

A local police official was quoted as saying four people had drowned in a province close to Manila, but this has not been confirmed.

Weather officials warn that the floods could get worse as the overflowing La Mesa dam, which holds back Manila's main reservoir, spills more water.

"If we put it in a percentage, at least 50% of Metro Manila is flooded," Jean Navarez, from the state weather service, was quoted by AFP as saying.

Residents living in slums and shanty-towns on low ground have taken shelter in community buildings, reports said.

Several key roads were impassable and power had also been cut in some areas, mostly as a precaution, officials said.

Dams and waterways in affected areas are also being closely monitored. Rescue efforts are now underway to help stranded residents.

"As of now, it's difficult to rescue the trapped residents, as we are battling strong currents with our life crafts," police rescuer Eric Baran told Reuters news agency.