A strong typhoon swept across northern Philippines overnight, cutting power and communication lines and sending thousands fleeing to higher ground.
The capital, Manila, was not spared, as heavy rains from Typhoon Kalmaegi flooded this riverside community of Marikina.
Here, more than 4,000 people were evacuated, as the river nearly reached its critical level.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) RESIDENT EDUARDO RAMOS SAYING:
"The water rose very quickly. We were sleeping last night when someone shouted 'floods', and the water was already inside the house. We quickly got our belongings and tried to get the children out."
Across several provinces, thousands sought cover in temporary shelters like this basketball court.
Some government offices and schools were shut due to rains.
The Philippines sees an average of 20 typhoons annually, mostly during the rainy season that runs from June to October.
