Floods shut down Philippine capital

MANILA, Philippines: Heavy rain due to a storm and the seasonal monsoon has caused widespread flooding in the Philippine capital and nearby provinces, shutting down schools and government offices.

Local officials interviewed on radio reported hundreds were evacuated early on Friday from severely inundated communities, some under rapid-flowing flood waters more than neck high.

Manila airport authorities said that the rain and a broken radar caused delays and the cancellation of at least 28 domestic flights to and from northern and central Philippines affected by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong. At least three international flights heading to Manila were diverted to Clark International Airport in northern Pampanga province.

Presidential spokeswoman Abigal Valte said that work in government offices in the capital and 15 other provinces has been suspended.