The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Manila

Waves caused by Typhoon Mitag capsized two small passenger ferries in the Philippines overnight, killing at least three people and raising the overall death toll to 22, rescuers said Wednesday. The ferries were crossing Taal Lake south of the capital Manila when strong winds brought about by the typhoon triggered huge waves, rescuers said. Three people were confirmed drowned, while about 30 others were rescued. Six others remain missing. The Office of Civil Defense said 19 others were killed by landslides, flashfloods and other storm-related accidents in seven northern provinces that bore the brunt of the storm. Meanwhile giant waves simultaneously swamped 19 villages in Jolo island, Zamboanga city and Misamis Oriental in the southern Philippines and in the northern provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, it said. Nearly 200 houses made of light materials were washed away while more than 2,000 people were evacuated in Zamboanga, it said.