"They were living heroes": 5 rescuers killed trying to save villagers trapped in typhoon floodwaters in Philippines

Typhoon Noru left a trail of destruction in northern Philippine provinces on Monday with at least eight people dead, including a group of rescuers who were scrambling to save villagers trapped in floodwaters, officials said.

Five government rescuers drowned in San Miguel town in Bulacan province after their boat overturned when it was hit by a collapsed wall, tossing them into rampaging floodwaters, police and officials said.

"They were living heroes who were helping save the lives of our countrymen in the calamity," Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando told DZMM radio network. "This is really very sad."