Deadly torrential rains have submerged much of the Philippine capital Manila forcing 270,000 people to leave their homes.
Storms over the past 10 days have killed at least 50 people.
Disaster officials say over half of Manila is swamped by floods up to 3 metres deep.
The army ha been called in to help with the rescue effort using boats and amphibious trucks.
Schools, financial markets and most government and private offices were shut as key roadways in the capital were submerged.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said the government was doing everything it could to help.
“Everybody who is supposed to do something is doing what he is supposed to do” he told reporters.
Bad weather from seasonal southwest monsoons has been pounding Manila and nearby areas for over a week.
Meteorologists said the crisis in the capital city came as over half a months worth of rain fell there in 24 hours.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council there said that more than 800,000 people had been affected with 18,600 in government evacuation centres and some 231,000 seeking refuge with friends or relatives.
The Red Cross is appealing for help. Watch a video below:
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