The storm killed at least 12 people in the central city of Naga, police chief Erwin Rebellon said. It also left dead two people in the town of Palanas in Masbate and the town of Bagamanoc in Catanduanes province, the Bicol regional civil defence office said in a statement.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes as parts of the country experienced unprecedented flooding, the authorities said.

Philippine rescuers waded through chest-deep floodwaters Wednesday to reach residents trapped by Tropical Storm Trami, known