MANILA - MORE than 64,000 people have been affected by landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rains in the northern Philippines, the Red Cross said on Monday.

Thousands of people had to seek refuge in evacuation centres in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and Aurora with the Red Cross distributing food and water to those who fled their homes, the relief agency said.

Rubber boats were used to assist those affected by the rains that began on November 18, the Red Cross said in a statement.

The government had previously said two people had died and 32,000 were displaced by the rains.

President Gloria Arroyo has ordered the distribution of food and other relief items to those affected by the flooding. -- AFP