Storm leaves 22 dead in Philippines

The Philippines has been hit by at least 14 severe storms so far this year

MANILA, Philippines -- At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 are missing after tropical storm Lingling ravaged the Philippines central and southern regions early Wednesday.

Hundreds of families fled their homes on the island of Camiguin off Mindanao to escape raging waist-deep floods, said civil defense regional director Casiano Matela.

"We are afraid the death toll will shoot up once we hear from other affected towns," Camiguin provincial Governor Pedro Romualdo told Reuters news agency.

Army spokesman Major Johnny Macanas said 21 people were killed while 103 went missing when the storm lashed the island -- a popular tourist destination for its white sandy beaches.

There was no word of any tourist among the dead or missing.

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Several people drowned in the floods while others died after being struck by falling trees and flying debris as a tornado hit the island, Macanas told Reuters.

"We have organized rescue teams to penetrate the area but strong winds are preventing us," Macanas said.

The storm, with winds gusting up to 90 kph (55 mph), struck Camiguin at about 0100 local time (1700 GMT), knocking down power and telephone lines.

It was moving west-northwest across the country at 15 kph (9 mph), the weather bureau said.

An average of 20 typhoons lash the Philippines every year -- Lingling was the 14th to hit the country since January.