Torrential rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides in the southern Philippines. Government officials say 45 people are dead, and 18 are still missing.

Authorities in the Maguindanao Province of Mindanao Island say tens of thousands of homes were inundated as tropical storm Nalgae was approaching.

They earlier said the death toll was at least 72. But the central government has reduced that number, saying officials mistakenly double-counted some of the victims.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says the storm appeared to be moving across the Philippine islands in the early afternoon. People are bracing for further flooding and landslides.