Thousands of people have been evacuated from the path of the typhoon.

Gusts of up to 170kph (106mph) have caused much damage in southern and central areas. Many roads are blocked and there are widespread power cuts.

Domestic flights to central regions have been cancelled and inter-island ferry services halted, officials said.

Ten people drowned after a river burst its banks and swept away houses in southern Maguindanao province. Several other people were reported missing by the local authorities.

A landslide has also buried several houses in Cotabato city, also in the south, killing at least two people, officials said.

Source: BBC