At least 26 killed in Philippines by landslides caused by tropical storm (video)

At least twenty-six people are dead and 23 are missing according to officials, following landslides on the island of Biliran in eastern Philippines.

Tropical Storm Kai-tak hit the area on Saturday, December 16, causing heavy rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding. "Rocks as big as cars fell on concrete houses after three days of continuous, heavy rain" in the mountainous district of Lucsoon, chief inspector Lilibeth Morillo told AFP.

Locally known as Urduja, Kai-tak storm cut power supplies in many areas, forced the cancellation of several flights, stranded more than 15,000 people in various ports in the region and prompted nearly 88,000 people to seek shelter in evacuation centers. Rescue operations are under way to locate any trapped survivors.

Bridges crossing to the island have been damaged, making it difficult to bring in rescue and repair personnel. Hundreds of residents are now stranded, following the collapse of Caraycaray Bridge in Naval town, Biliran. The damage caused to the bridge is captured in the video that follows.

The storm tore across the wider region on Saturday, including the neighboring islands of Samar and Leyte, damaging infrastructure and bringing down electricity lines. It weakened on Sunday and was downgraded to a tropical depression.