14 killed as typhoon strikes Philippines

Flash floods and landslides triggered by Typhoon Fengshen have left at least 14 people dead and forced the evacuation of thousands of others in the Philippines.

The Risao River in the town of Upi in southern Maguindanao province overflowed and washed away at least five houses.

Ten people drowned while at least eight others were missing.

A landslide buried several houses at a slum area in Cotabato city, also in the south, killing two people.

A 49-year-old woman died after her house collapsed after being buffeted by strong winds in a coastal village in central Negros Island.

A low intensity tornado triggered by the typhoon also left one dead after it destroyed 16 houses in Negros.

The local social welfare department office said nine towns and cities were flooded, forcing the evacuation of over 3,000 people.

Roads connecting the southern cities of Cotabato and General Santos were flooded, while a concrete bridge also collapsed, isolating some villages and towns.

Heavy rains battered the Bicol region overnight, and more than 600 people were stranded in various seaports there.

Early today Fengshen was tracking a west-northwest direction, packing winds of 140km per hour.

Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes were warned against possible flash floods.