Storm leaves at least 15 dead, 6 missing in Philippines

A tropical storm that hit the Philippines over the last few days has killed at least 15 people and left six people missing, civil defence officials said Friday according to dpa. Tropical Storm Wukong battered central and eastern provinces Wednesday, causing floods that affected more than 28,000 people, the Office of Civil Defence said. Most of the fatalities drowned while others were hit by falling trees or electrical posts or suffered a heart attack, said Rosario Cabrera, a regional civil defence director. "The missing were swept away by strong currents while crossing swollen rivers," she said. Wukong weakened after crossing the central region of Visayas and the weather bureau has lowered all storm signals.