Widespread flooding and landslides set off by a tropical storm in the northeastern Philippines on Thursday left at least 23 people dead, swept away cars and prompted authorities to scramble for motorboats to rescue trapped villagers,

Tropical Storm Trami made landfall in the northeastern portion of the Philippines' main Luzon island early on Thursday, forcing schools and government offices to shut for a second straight day as disaster agencies brace for more rains and floods.

Most of the deaths were reported in the Bicol region, south-east of Manila, where at least 20 people died, including seven residents in Naga city.