Typhoon hits eastern Philippines, causing power outages

A strong typhoon has slammed into the eastern Philippines, bringing high winds that caused power outages in several provinces

MANILA, Philippines -- A strong typhoon slammed into the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, bringing high winds that caused power outages in several provinces. Typhoon Conson carried sustained winds of 120 kilometers (74 miles) per hour with gusts of up to 150 kph (93 mph), first making landfall at the coastal town of Hernani in Eastern Samar province before hitting nearby Samar province, the state weather service said. “We only have minor damage here, thank God,” Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone said in a text message. He said work had been suspended in government offices. Power systems operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said some transmission lines were affected. Power outages were reported in Eastern Samar, Samar and Leyte provinces.