Storm in southern Philippines leaves at least 50 dead

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – A tropical storm unleashed flash floods and set off landslides in the southern Philippines at a peak time for travel and Christmas preparations, leaving more than 50 dead and several missing, officials said Saturday.

Mayor Bong Edding of Zamboanga del Norte province's Sibuco town told The Associated Press by telephone that a search and rescue was underway for more than 30 people swept away by flash floods in the fishing village of Anungan. Five bodies have been recovered in the village.

More than 40 others perished mostly in the hard-hit provinces of Lanao del Norte, where floodwaters from a mountain swept away several houses, and Lanao del Sur, police and officials said.

Tropical Storm Tembin, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers (60 miles) per hours and gusts of up to 130 kph (80 mph), is forecast to blow away from the southern Philippines on Sunday toward the South China Sea, moving closer to Vietnam.