Tropical storm Megi hits Philippines, kills 25

Manila: At least 25 people have been died in landslides and floods in the Philippines after Tropical Storm Megi swept the nation.

On Tuesday, rescue crews were still battling to retrieve people stranded on the eastern and southern coasts.

The storm Megi—known locally as Agaton—hit the archipelago on Sunday with winds of up to 65km (40 miles) per hour. It was the first such storm of the year as the nation typically sees an average of 20 each year. 

More than 13,000 people fled to higher-ground shelters as the storm lashed the east coast.  

Reportedly, heavy rain and winds knocked out power supply, flooded homes and fields and caused mudslides in villages.

The national disaster agency also confirmed that at least three people had died in the Davao region in the south. 

The storm's conditions were due to ease Tuesday. Scientists say human-caused climate change has led to a greater intensity and power in tropical storms. The Philippines has experienced some of its most deadly storms since 2006.