Philippines begins flood cleanup

Hundreds queue in line for aid in the wake of severe flooding in the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces.

At least 60 people were killed as of Friday, while hundreds of thousands more were forced into evacuation shelters to escape the heaviest monsoon rains in three years.

Residents worry that picking up the pieces of their lives won't be easy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) MOTHER OF FOUR VINA GANTOR SAYING:

"We don't have the means to get provisions, especially food. Nearly all of us living near the river, our homes were all washed out. All of our belongings are gone. My children have nothing to wear."

The government has promised a long-term flood prevention plan, targeting low-lying areas often home to poorer neighbourhoods and slums.

But in the meantime residents have begun the arduous cleanup of their homes, not sure when the rains might strike again.