MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Metro Manila Council has officially declared a state of calamity in the National Capital Region on Wednesday, as rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon brought by Typhoon Gaemi caused flooding in various parts of the Philippine capital.
The widespread flooding, seven feet deep in some areas, forced the government to evacuate people near Manila Bay and rivers to safety and close schools and offices.
While Metro Manila has been placed under a state of calamity, local authorities have evacuated residents of coastal areas in the central and southern Philippine regions.
Police said at least six people were killed due to the typhoon. ■