Eight die in Philippines floods

Flooding in the Philippine province of Capiz has claimed the lives of at least eight people and caused heavy agricultural damage, authorities said. In the town of Panay alone damage to crops was reported to total some $830,000, the Philippine Inquirer reported Tuesday. Rescuers recovered the bodies of five children who drowned in Capiz while three adult victims were discovered Tuesday. The provincial council called a special session to discuss placing the entire province under a state of emergency due to the extensive damage caused by the flooding. Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco sought the declaration so funds would be available to assist residents and villages.