Death toll from Philippines floods rises

A man stands in a flooded street in Bulacan, Philippines, on Tuesday, August 14, as more rain falls on the region. Flooding has affected more than 2.4 million people, officials say, as heavy rains and winds have lashed the Philippines in recent weeks.

(CNN) -- The death toll from floods in the Philippines soared to 85, authorities said Sunday, following days of torrential rainfall that has affected more than 2 million people.  Most of the deaths were from drowning and landslides associated with the week of flooding, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Others died from electrocution or in landslides associated with the rain and floods.  Floods have affected more than 2.4 million people in 144 municipalities so far, officials said.

Manila starts to clean up after floods

More rain pours down on Manila

August is generally the wettest month of the year, and days of rain drenched have drenched the area.

It could take weeks for waters to recede in the lower-lying areas, forecasters said.

Heavy rains and winds have lashed the Philippines in recent weeks after Tropical Storm Saola plowed past it before hitting Taiwan and China recently. Flood waters have inundated various areas, including Manila and nearby provinces.

In December, Tropical Storm Washi left more than 1,200 people dead after it set off flash floods that swept away entire villages in the southern Philippines.