The storm was blowing over Aguinaldo town in the mountain province of Ifugao after dawn with sustained winds up to 95 kph and gusts up to 160 kph.

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

Most of the deaths were reported in the Bicol region, south-east of Manila, where at least 20 people died, including seven residents in Naga city.