The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Manila

Flash floods and landslides triggered by Typhoon Fengshen have left at least 17 people dead and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands in the Philippines, officials said Saturday.

The Risao river in the town of Upi in southern Maguindanao province overflowed and washed away at least five houses, army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Julieto Ando said.

Ten people drowned while at least eight others were missing, Ando said. A landslide buried several houses at a slum area in Cotabato city, also in the south, killing two people, officials said.

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