Residents escape floodwaters in Philippines

The death toll from heavy rains and floods that devastated parts of the Philippines over the Christmas weekend has risen to 25, with 26 others still missing, the national disaster response agency said Wednesday.

Nearly 400,000 people were affected, with over 81,000 still in shelters and nine others injured, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. 1,196 houses were damaged by the floods, while sections of 123 roads and 12 bridges were affected.

Some areas remain without power or water supply. While the effect of the shear line has weakened, a new low pressure area may bring moderate to heavy rains within the next 24 hours to the same areas affected by the Christmas weekend floods.

The weather bureau said Wednesday that flooding and landslides are likely, especially in areas with significant prior rainfall.