A TROPICAL storm unleashed floods and set off landslides over the weekend in the Philippines, leaving at least one dead and one missing, said the government today.

A government disaster agency said tropical storm Megi, which made landfall in the central province yesterday morning, also affected more than 136,000 people in central and southern Philippines, reported Xinhua.

Many areas are hit by floods even before the storm hit land.

More than 13,000 people are seeking shelter at evacuation centres, while others are staying with relatives, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The state weather bureau downgraded Megi to a tropical depression today.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Megi is blowing maximum winds of 45kph and with gusts of up to 60kph as of this morning.

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries, experiencing frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and about 20 typhoons a year. – Bernama, April 11, 2022.