Nine killed in floods

Manila, Philippines (dpa) – Nine people were killed in floods caused by heavy rains in the eastern Philippines, the Office of Civil Defence said Monday.

Nearly 25,000 people were also displaced in the six provinces affected by the floods since last week.

The nine victims drowned in the provinces of Capiz, Samar and Negros Oriental, where some roads remained impassable, the office said.

The weather bureau said the heavy rains were caused by a low-pressure area and the tail end of a cold front.

Better weather was expected throughout the Philippines as millions of Filipinos went home to the provinces and took vacations during the Lenten break ahead of Easter.