Severe flooding in the Philippines after typhoon Koppu

(Vatican Radio)  At least 16 people are dead in the Philippines after a severe typhoon struck the northern part of the main island of Luzon.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn's report:

Heavy rain caused widespread flooding, turning streets into rivers and washing away crops and livestock. Seven of the dead were passengers aboard a small ferry that capsized in the typhoon's winds.

The Philippines military rescued some people from flooded homes. One official said 70 villages were under water, and residents there were clinging to rooftops.

Typhoon Koppu was unusually slow-moving. It lingered for about 24 hours, lashing Luzon island before heading off the coast towards China. It is said to be the second most powerful storm this year in the Philippines. 

Two years ago, Typhoon Haiyan left more than 7,000 people dead or missing.

Since then, Philippine authorities have improved early-warning and evacuation procedures. This time, villages in the typhoon's path were given evacuation orders.