Storm Bopha returns to Philippines, rain and floods expected

A resident covers his nose as he walks past typhoon Bopha's victims which are left unattended at New Bataan township, Compostela Valley in southern Philippines on Saturday Dec 8, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP

MANILA (AFP) - Heavy rain brought flooding fears in the north of the storm-battered Philippines as Typhoon Bopha returned on Sunday, days after slamming into the south of the country and leaving almost 1,400 dead or missing.

While the powerful typhoon had weakened to a tropical storm, it was still causing downpours in the north even as hundreds in the south struggled to recover from its fury, said civil defence chief Benito Ramos.

"It will bring rain, not so much wind. We anticipate flash floods and landslides. We expect low-lying areas to be flooded again," Mr Ramos said.

Local relief and rescue teams along with the military were already in position while residents were on alert for rising waters.