The storm battered several islands with gusts of 190km/h (118mph), destroying homes and power lines.

Many people are missing. Thousands were left stranded as they tried to make their way home for Christmas.

Phanfone struck close to regions hit by Typhoon Haiyan - the most powerful storm ever to make landfall - in 2013.

More than 6,000 people were killed in November that year, making it the Philippines' deadliest typhoon.

Typhoon Phanfone first made landfall on Tuesday night, but continued to pass over the many islands of the central Philippines throughout Christmas Day.

More than 58,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm and about 15,000 others were stranded at ports when ferries services were suspended.

The extent of the damage began to emerge only on Thursday.