Death toll now 34 from Philippine typhoon

After three days of being hammered by Typhoon Melor, the Philippines is counting the cost, with 34 dead, five missing, and 160,000 houses destroyed.

The death toll from a powerful typhoon that pummelled the Philippines for three days is at 34. (AAP)

The death toll from a powerful typhoon that pummelled the Philippines for three days has risen to 34, with at least five people missing, the government says.

Most of the deaths from Typhoon Melor were caused by drowning or flying debris, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The agency said on Saturday more than 160,000 houses were destroyed or damaged by the storm. Economic losses were estimated at about $US40 million ($A56 million).

The typhoon left a large portion of eastern and central Philippines without communication and power. Some regions have been inaccessible to rescuers, the agency said.

President Benigno Aquino III declared a state of calamity in affected areas in order to facilitate the delivery of assistance to the victims.

The weather bureau warned against flash floods and landslides from continuing rains.