MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical storm warnings in the Philippines were dropped Wednesday after two storms battered the islands for days and killed at least 19 people.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the remnants of Typhoon Mitag were dissipating north of the islands, while Tropical depression Hagibis was weakening off the east coast, GMA News.tv reported.
The death toll could climb further as reports from remote areas come in, emergency officials said.
Meanwhile, state forecasters said a low pressure area spotted in the northern tip of the country has developed into a tropical depression, but no watches or warnings were posted.
Tuesday evening in the northeastern Pangasinan region, an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale shook the islands, and water in the Lingayen Gulf began rising, Inquirer.net reported.
Some 280 families fled seaside homes, many of which were badly damaged, the report said.
Forecasters said the surge was not a tsunami related to the earthquake, but rather a result of Typhoon Hagibis.
Copyright © 2007, by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
