Residents of flood-hit Philippine towns scrambled to higher ground yesterday when the most powerful typhoon this year threatened to cause more destruction after floods and landslides killed up to 600 people. Typhoon Nanmadol had gained strength and was expected to make landfall close to the worst flood-affected areas on the eastern coast later yesterday, packing winds of 185 kph (115 mph). With flying conditions treacherous and roads cut off, disaster officials said there was little they could do to protect thousands of people made homeless by the floods and who were running short of food and drinking water.

Officials say up to 600 people may have died in landslides and floods that hit several areas on the main northern island of Luzon on Monday, devastating three towns on the east coast. The NDCC said 37,400 families, or 168,000 people, had been affected by the floods and landslides that followed heavy rains early in the week.

Erik DE CASTRO