Widespread flooding and landslides set off by a tropical storm in the northeastern Philippines left at least 23 people dead, swept away cars and prompted authorities to scramble for motorboats to rescue trapped villagers,

Tropical Storm Trami made landfall in the northeastern portion of the Philippines' main Luzon island early on Thursday, forcing schools and government offices to shut for a second straight day as disaster agencies brace for more rains and floods.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes as parts of the country experienced unprecedented flooding, the authorities said.