Heavy rains in the northern Philippines have left nine people dead and forced thousands of others to flee their homes. National police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said flooding and landslides over the past three days sent more than 39,900 people from their homes in the north-eastern part of the main island of Luzon. He said those who had to leave their homes took refuge in government-run evacuation centres. According to the spokesman, nine people have been confirmed killed and four others are missing in the mountainous region. Meanwhile, the state weather service said a cold front caused the heavy rains in the region.