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More than 100 dead in Philippine mudslides, flooding

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A tropical storm in the southern Philippines triggered mudslides and flash floods that killed more than 100 people, while dozens are missing, police and disaster officials said on Saturday.

The casualties, most of them caused late on Friday, were all on the main southern island of Mindanao, they said, adding three provinces were hardest hit.

Disaster officials said many residents had ignored warnings to leave coastal areas and riverbanks.

Emergency workers, soldiers, police and volunteers were mobilised to search for survivors, clear debris and restore power and communications.

Tropical storm Tembin had gathered strength over the Sulu Sea and was packing winds of up 80 kph and moving west at 20 kph, with the state weather bureau expecting its complete exit from the Philippines on Monday.

The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons every year, bringing death and destruction, usually to the poorest communities.

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