Fresh storm batters Philippines

THE Philippines evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and confirmed at least three deaths on Friday as it faced yet another tropical storm, days after it was battered by deadly Super Typhoon Ragasa.

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Civil defence officials in the Bicol region in the south of Luzon island said three people were killed when walls collapsed and trees were uprooted by Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi, which is sweeping west by northwest at sustained speeds of 110km/h.

Evacuees in one province took cover under pews as the roof of a church where they were sheltering was ripped apart by the storm.

Jerome Martinez, a municipal engineer in southern Luzon's Masbate province, saidd that the wind destroyed the door, windows and ceiling of the church at around 4am.

"That's one of the strongest winds I've ever experienced," Martinez said, adding some children had suffered minor injuries requiring stitches.

"I think more people will have to evacuate still because many houses were destroyed and many roofs were blown away. They are now blocking the streets and roads," he said.