At least 75 people are dead and around 60 other missing after a tropical storm unleashed floods in southern Philippines on Saturday, according to NBC News.

Most of the deaths took place in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur along with the Zamboanga peninsula, the government’s disaster-response agency reported.

Philippines is battered by around 20 typhoons and storms each year, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

Mayor Bong Edding of Zamboanga del Norte said, "the floodwaters from the mountain came down so fast and swept away people and houses."

She expressed grief as Christmas is just a few days away.

Police and officials said floodwaters have swept away several houses and bodies.

While several flights were canceled, thousands were moved to emergency shelters and many other were trapped in air and sea ports.