More than 430 people have died in the Philippines following a tropical storm and flash floods, with the death toll expected to rise.
According to authorities, hundreds remain missing following the devastating downpour that hit Mindanao Island during the night.
The rain water caused water to run through coastal cities. It is being reported that many of the victims were washed out to sea.
"Massive flooding had been reported over the region, especially in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City," said Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster rescue agency.
The storm hit while most people were asleep. Those who did escape made their may to higher ground, say officials.
More than 25mm of rain fell in 24 hours, while 55mph winds battered the island’s cities. The flooding loosened the ground, with at least five people thought to have perished in a landslide.
The army has deployed around 10,000 soldiers to coordinate the rescue effort. According to army spokesman Colonel Leopoldo Galon, many of the bodies recovered were children. Speaking to Reuters, Galon said: “I can't explain how these things happened, entire villages were swept to the sea by flash floods. I have not seen anything like this before.”
According to Lawrence Cruz, the mayor of Iligan, more than a quarter of the city is underwater, as are many of the outlying villages. "It's the worst flood in the history of our city," he said.
The storm is expected to cross the Sulu Sea and make landfall on the island of Palawan on Saturday afternoon.
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has said the loss of life is "tragic": "I visited the Philippines earlier this month and know how keenly this loss will be felt by all its people. I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those affected. My thoughts are with them and the Government of the Philippines as they lead the recovery work.”