Residents trapped on roofs as typhoon leaves 12 dead in Philippines

Witnesses described ferocious winds that ripped off roofs and forced down trees

Rescuers assist residents over floodwaters caused by Typhoon Rai as they are evacuated to higher ground in Cagayan de Oro City, southern Philippines. Picture: Philippine Coast Guard via AP

A powerful typhoon that battered the central Philippines has left at least 12 people dead amid massive floods that trapped residents on roofs and damaged buildings, officials said.

Typhoon Rai slightly weakened after slamming ashore on Thursday on the country’s south-eastern coast but still packed destructive and deadly winds of 150kph (93mph) and gusts of up to 205kph (127mph).