Rescuers struggle to reach stranded people as rains batter Philippines

RESCUERS in the Philippines raced Saturday to reach people still stranded in areas made inaccessible by flooding from Tropical Storm Trami, which has killed at least 97 people.

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Trami battered the main island of Luzon and forced nearly half a million people to flee their homes as heavy rain caused widespread floods and landslides.

In the hardest-hit Bicol region, residents trapped on the roofs and upper floors of their homes were still awaiting desperately needed assistance, officials said.

"The floods have yet to subside. Calls asking for help are still pouring here," Bicol regional police director Andre Dizon said.