At least nine people were killed Tuesday when a tropical storm triggered landslides and huge floods in the eastern Philippines, officials said. Seven fatalities were from Albay province, 360 kilometres south-east of Manila, which was battered by Tropical Storm Nock-Ten's heavy rains and strong winds overnight, according to provincial Governor Joey Salceda. Salceda said more than 500,000 people were forced to flee their homes due to the floods and landslides. Two more fatalities were reported in the nearby province of Catanduanes, according to provincial Governor Joseph Cua. Cua said one person drowned while another was hit by an electricity pole that was toppled by strong winds. Aviation authorities said more than 30 domestic flights were cancelled due to the bad weather, according to a report of the German Press Agency "DPA"
