AKIPRESS.COM - The number of people killed by a typhoon that battered the Philippines over the Christmas period has risen to 28, BBC reports citing officials.

Typhoon Phanfone, which made landfall on Tuesday, caused severe floods and destroyed homes in several provinces.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, 12 people remain missing.

The typhoon led to the evacuation of more than 58,000 people and stranded thousands over the holiday period.

Officials said some of the dead were hit by trees, while others were electrocuted or drowned.

"The likelihood is present that the casualty count will still increase. We're hoping against it," disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told news agency AFP.