The distress call in the storm: "Help us, save us!"

Climate & environment
At least 14 dead in the Philippines  Thousands trapped in their homes

Christina Nordh

Updated 16.14 | Published 16.06

Thousands are waiting to be evacuated from their homes after Tropical Storm Trami, many of them have been forced onto roofs to escape the water. Photo: AP

At least 14 people are dead after Trami moved in over the Philippines.

Thousands are trapped in their homes - now the rescue service is working against the clock to save them.

The tropical storm brought torrential rain and widespread flooding to the eastern Fhilippines, according to local authorities.

The storm, known locally as Kristine, continues towards the northeastern parts of the country, now the authorities are closing schools and offices on the island of Luzon.

Storm warning in dozens of provinces

Twelve people are dead in the city of Naga, according to police chief Erwin Rebellon. Two people are dead in Palanas town in Masbate province and Bagamanoc town in Catanduanes province.

Storm warnings have been issued in more than two dozen provinces, including the capital Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos canceled all his meetings to "focus on coordinating search and relief efforts." Crisis meetings have also been held at the military headquarters, writes the British The Independent.

- People have been stuck on their roofs for hours, many rescue vehicles have been stopped by the floods, writes former president Leni Robredo in a post on social media.

The phone rang suddenly

Caramines Sur is one of the hardest hit provinces. Congressman Luis Raymund Villafuerte says in an interview with DZRH radio:

- Last night my phone was ringing all the time and residents were pleading in text messages: "Help us, save us".

Millions of people in the country are affected by the rapidly rising water. Governor Anglina Tan, of Quezon province, said water levels in rivers reached three meters in some places, forcing 8,000 residents to evacuate.