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.

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.

Widespread flooding and landslides set off by a tropical storm in the Philippines left at least 24 people dead, swept away cars and prompted authorities to scramble for motorboats to rescue trapped villagers.