Philippine storm batters northern provinces, leaves 5 dead, displaces thousands

Commuters are ferried on a three-wheeled tricycle locally known as "sidecar" after heavy monsoon rains spawned by tropical storm Fung-Wong flooded Manila and most parts of the metropolis Friday, Sept 19, 2014 in the Philippines. Heavy rains from a storm and the seasonal monsoon caused widespread flooding Friday in the Philippine capital and nearby provinces, shutting down schools and government offices. Local authorities reported thousands were evacuated early Friday from severely inundated communities, some with rapidly flowing waters more than neck high. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

A resident balances himself on a makeshift floater as he evacuates to safety after heavy monsoon rains spawned by tropical storm Fung-Wong flooded Marikina city, east of Manila, Philippines and most parts of the metropolis Friday, Sept.19, 2014. Heavy rains due to a storm and the seasonal monsoon caused widespread flooding Friday in the Philippine capital and nearby provinces, shutting down schools and government offices.(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

MANILA, Philippines – Officials say a storm that brought torrential monsoon rains which flooded much of the Philippine capital has gained strength and battered the country's northern most provinces with heavy downpours and strong winds.

The national disaster agency reported Saturday that more than half a million people were affected by Tropical Storm Fung-Wong in metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces, forcing close to 90,000 people to evacuate. At least five have been killed.

Gov. Imee Marcos of Ilocos Norte says fierce winds and heavy rains battered her province, blowing away roofs, toppling trees and flooding highways. She says electricity has been shut off to prevent accidents.

Floodwaters have subsided in most of metropolitan Manila after the sprawling metropolis of 12 million experienced one of the worst floods in recent years.

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