Floods devastate Manila’s streets

Care2.com: Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was overcome by devastating monsoon floods into Tuesday after several days of heavy rain. According to the New York Times, a nearby lake sent an overflow of water into the river at the center of Manila, causing catastrophic damage to buildings and sending many people fleeing the overpopulated capital.

There has been over a week of monsoon storms caused by the Typhoon Saola, which struck last week. The storms and flooding have taken the lives of at least 50 people. Rescue workers have been challenged to find and rescue people who were quickly submerged in the torrential rains. Rubber boats floated through the city, which is reportedly 50 percent submerged at this point. One rescue worker, Eric Baran told reporters, “As of now, it’s difficult to rescue the trapped residents, as we are battling strong currents with our life crafts.”

Pictures of the flood show Manila citizens standing waist- or neck-high in water, carrying umbrellas, soaked to the bone and looking concerned. Businesses, roads, cars and possessions have been buried in deep water that promises to cause severe damages to the structure of the colorful capital.

The BBC reports that tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes and businesses, especially in areas where structures are less stable. An entire family of nine were killed in Quezon City, a shanty town, where torrential rains quickly tore up the housing in the area....

US Navy photo from the 2007 typhoon floods in Manila