The death toll from Typhoon Phanfone that pounded the central Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds beginning on Tuesday climbed to 28, the government said on Friday.

Fallen trees and buildings are seen after Typhoon Phanfone swept through Tanauan, Leyte, in the Philippines December 25, 2019. (Photo: CGTN)

The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 13 died in Iloilo, four in Capiz, two in Aklan, one in Cebu, one in Southern Leyte, two in Leyte, one in Biliran, three in Eastern Samar and one in Samar, provinces in the central Philippines.

At least 12 more are missing, the NDRRMC added.

Typhoon Phanfone, which made landfall on Tuesday afternoon in Eastern Samar province, left a trail of destruction as it swept across the central Philippines and areas off the southern tip of the main Luzon island.

Huge flooding was reported in many affected areas.

The national disaster agency said nearly 186,000 people in 584 villages in the central Philippines have been affected by the typhoon.

More than 2,000 houses and 55 schoolhouses were damaged by the typhoon, the agency said.

As of Friday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Typhoon Phanfone is no longer directly affecting the country in its latest report.

Phanfone is the 21st typhoon to barrel the Philippines this year.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world mainly due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and Pacific typhoon belt. 

Landslides and flash floods are common across the Philippines during the rainy season, especially when typhoon hits.