At least 72 people have been killed in the Philippines after the storm caused flooding and landslides

At least 72 people have been killed in the Philippines after the storm caused flooding and landslides

Severe tropical storm Nalgay hit the Philippines on Saturday, unleashing flash floods and landslides, killing at least 72 people.

The tropical storm, which made landfall in eastern Catanduanes province on Saturday, had maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (59 mph) and gusts of 160 km per hour (99.4 mph).

The Coast Guard has suspended ferry service through most of the archipelago due to rough seas, leaving hundreds of vessels and thousands of passengers stranded at ports.

Heavy rains started on Thursday and the storm is expected to reach its peak this weekend. The storm has forced some schools to close and buses to run.

Heavy rains triggered by an approaching typhoon began in the southern Philippines on Thursday, the state weather service said, inundating much of the countryside on the island of Mindanao.

Followed by landslides and flooding, the fast-moving, debris-laden waters swept away entire families in some areas and damaged nearly 500 homes.

As of Saturday morning, the death toll had risen to 72, the country's civil defense director, Rafaelito Alejandro, said.

He said at least 14 people were still missing and 33 were injured.

Some areas have recorded record daily rainfall. Flash floods and landslides have always been one of the biggest dangers in the Philippines, with its unstable geography and deforested mountains.

A warning has been issued due to the possibility of landslides on the slopes of large volcanoes.

Flooding was also reported in several parts of the central Philippines, although there were no fatalities.

Emergency services are well-versed in responding to major storms, but high levels of water have made it difficult to rescue stranded people.

"If it is not necessary or important, you should avoid going out today because it is dangerous and can harm you," said Mr. Alejandro.

More than 7,000 people were evacuated before the storm made landfall, the Office of Civil Defense said.

The Civil Aviation Office said that more than 100 flights have been grounded so far.

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 major typhoons each year, killing hundreds of people and leaving vast areas in perpetual poverty.