Typhoon slams Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year was pounding southern provinces today, cutting power, suspending travel and flooding areas already vulnerable to landslides.

More than 41,000 residents have moved out of their homes in high-risk coastal villages and along rivers.

Civil defense chief Benito Ramos said officials were checking for casualties or damage from a landslide on a mountainside village in Compostela Valley province. They were also working to verify unconfirmed casualty reports from Southern Leyte and Davao Oriental provinces. Power has been cut off in several municipalities, he added.

Government forecaster Jori Loiz said Bopha has weakened since it made landfall in Davao Oriental province early today.