Manila  - The death toll in a tropical storm that pummelled the Philippines over the weekend rose to 37 as rescuers penetrated far-flung villages in the worst-hit areas, the government said Wednesday.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said 16 more people were injured in the aftermath of storm Halong that brought heavy rains which triggered landslides and flashfloods in several northern provinces.

The NDCC said more than 1 million people were adversely affected by Halong's fury and several roads have been rendered impassable and bridges swept away by swollen rivers.

Most of the fatalities were in the province of Pangasinan, 180 kilometres north of Manila, which was worst hit by Halong.

Many of the victims drowned in flashfloods, died when struck by tin sheets torn off from roofs by Halong's strong winds or were buried in collapsed structures.

Damage to agriculture and infrastructure was estimated at 3.49 billion pesos (81.16 million dollars). (dpa)