A tropical cyclone known to Filipinos by the storm name Kristine triggered disastrous flooding throughout the northern region of the country, with more than a dozen killed and several missing.

Philippine rescuers waded through chest-deep floodwaters Wednesday to reach residents trapped by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name: Trami), which has killed 14 people and forced thousands to evacuate as it barrels toward the east coast.

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