HAMPSHIRE’S Filipino community is eagerly awaiting news from loved ones after a tropical storm in the southern Philippines unleashed flash floods leaving more than 120 people dead and 160 others missing.

Most of the deaths from Tropical Storm Tembin, which strengthened into a typhoon on Sunday, were in the hard-hit provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur and on the Zamboanga Peninsula, according to an initial government report.

It was the latest disaster to hit the Philippines, which is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year, making the archipelago that lies on the Pacific typhoon belt one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Father Claro Conde, head chaplin for the Filipino community in Hampshire said: “A lot of people have lost contact and are just waiting for news from friends and family.

“We are praying for our compatriots in the Philippines. I hope, that the joy of the season, and the love and knowledge that Jesus suffered too will bring them hope in this difficult time.”

A search and rescue operation was underway for more than 30 people swept away by flash floods in the fishing village of Anungan, Mayor Bong Edding of Zamboanga del Norte province’s Sibuco town said.

Five bodies have been recovered so far in the village.

“The floodwaters from the mountain came down so fast and swept away people and houses,” Mr Edding said. “It’s really sad because Christmas is just a few days away, but these things happen beyond our control.”

Thousands of villagers were moved to emergency shelters and thousands more were stranded in airports and seaports after the coast guard prohibited ferries from venturing out in the rough seas and several flights were cancelled.

The storm, known locally as Vinta, strengthened into a typhoon and picked up speed late on Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 145 kph (90 mph).

“It is unfortunate that another tropical cyclone, Vinta, made its presence felt so near Christmas,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Junior said, adding that food packs and other aid were being distributed in storm-hit communities.