At least two people were killed and another was injured after tropical depression Chebi (local name Queenie) barreled through central and southern Philippines, the local disaster management agency said Friday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ( NDRRMC) said nine other people were reported missing.

NDRRMC said the two fatalities from the central Philippine province of Cebu drowned.

The agency said most of those who were reported missing were swept by big waves and strong winds while at sea.

The tropical depression also displaced 1,617 families or 7,528 individuals and damaged 500 houses in five provinces.

As of 10:00 a.m. local time, the state weather forecasting agency said Queenie has intensified into a tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It was estimated at 220 kilometers north northwest of Puerto Princesa City in the western Philippine province of Palawan.

The tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday night. Endi

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