Twenty dead in Philippine floods

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A relief effort is under way in the eastern Philippines to help tens of thousands of people forced from their homes by flooding.

At least 20 people are now known to have died in landslides and floods caused by more than a week of heavy rain, disaster officials said.

Bridges have been washed away and roads submerged in Eastern Samar province, which has been hardest hit.

Army troops have begun delivering supplies to displaced residents.

Heavy rain has been falling in the Philippines since 12 February, inundating rice fields and causing damage estimated at $12.2m (£6m).

In Eastern Samar, tens of thousands of people were forced into temporary shelters by floods.

Troops have been working to get food and tents to displaced residents.

The bad weather has now moved west to Bicol, where authorities have ordered the evacuation of 70,000 people, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said.

Many live around the Mayon volcano and officials fear more rain could trigger mudslides.

More bad weather is forecast for the Philippines over the next few days.