Torrential rain from an approaching tropical storm inundated cities and towns across eastern Philippines overnight, triggering widespread floods.
People became trapped, many on rooftops, as urgent rescue requests poured in.
Public schools and government offices across Luzon, the largest island, were shut down to safeguard millions as Tropical Storm Trami approached from the Pacific.
With sustained winds of 53 miles per hour and gusts up to 65 mph, Trami was located about 193 miles east of Baler in Aurora province.
Forecasters predicted up to 8 inches of rain in a single day, endangering vulnerable provinces along the storm's path. The storm is expected to hit land late Wednesday or early Thursday and sweep across northern Luzon before moving into the South China Sea.
Thousands have already sought refuge in emergency shelters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. canceled his scheduled appointments on Wednesday and convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis.
Warnings have been raised across more than two dozen northern and central provinces, including Metro Manila, where heavy rains are expected despite the capital not being in the direct path of the storm.
"We need national intervention," Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur province said on DZRH radio.
He said his area currently needs around 200 rescue boats, while emergency services can only supply 50 at this time.
"Last night, my phone was filled with nonstop calls and text messages from people pleading 'Help us, rescue us,'" he said. "It's sad when you feel helpless because of this deluge of problems."
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced that military aircraft and ships were on standby for evacuation and disaster response. He also mentioned that additional airlift capacity could be provided by countries like Singapore if necessary.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo, who resides in Naga City, posted on Facebook about the escalating situation.
"People have been stuck on roofs of their houses for several hours now," Robredo said. "Many of our rescue trucks have stalled due to the floods."
The floods have already claimed a life in Masbate province, where a man was killed by a falling tree branch. Seven others, including three fishermen who ventured out despite storm warnings, remain missing.
Thousands of ferry passengers are stranded at seaports due to suspended inter-island ferry services, while the coast guard has prohibited fishing boats from heading out to sea.
In Quezon province, Gov. Angelina Tan reported that floodwaters in some areas had reached almost 10 feet, forcing the evacuation of at least 8,000 people.
Coast guard personnel have been rescuing residents in flooded villages in the eastern provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and outlying regions since Tuesday.
The Philippines is highly susceptible to natural disasters, experiencing around 20 typhoons each year.
Located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the country is also prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, left over 7,300 people dead or missing and displaced millions.
"We're doing all we can, but the challenges are overwhelming," Villafuerte added.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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