Typhoon Phanfone kills at least 20 in the Philippines

  • Video report by ITV News Reporter Sue Saville

At least 20 people have died after a powerful typhoon struck the central Philippines on Christmas Day, officials say.

Typhoon Phanfone, also locally known as Typhoon Ursula, made landfall in the central province of Samar and is heading west with maximum sustained winds of 140kph (89 mph).

More than 58,000 people were evacuated from their homes before the storm arrived, causing widespread property damage.

The typhoon left the Philippines on Wednesday night and was moving out over the South China Sea. Credit: AP

Local media have said at least 20 people had died, including a three-year-old boy, with most deaths occurring in the Capiz provinces.

The typhoon left the Philippines on Wednesday night and was moving out over the South China Sea.

The Philippines has experienced an average of 20 typhoons a year, with the storms becoming much stronger in recent years.