Death toll up to 60 in Philippines floods

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MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The death toll from flooding and landslides in the Philippines increased to 60 Friday, officials said, and the forecast called for more rain.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said most of the deaths were drownings. Other victims were electrocuted or were killed in landslides.

August is typically the wettest month of the monsoon season in the Philippines. The rains this month were worsened by recent Tropical Storm Haikui, the Philippines weather service said.

Authorities had evacuated about 850,000 people from flooded areas in the Manila area and nearby provinces, officials said.

Benito Ramos, executive director of the disaster council, said 242,211 people were staying at 614 evacuation centers and another 607,941 were temporarily staying in the homes of relatives and friends.

CNN forecaster Mari Ramos said it could take days or even weeks for floodwaters to recede and there could be flooding "downstream" as water drains into the flood plain south of Manila.