Strong typhoon hits Philippines

Typhoon Vongfong gained force as it blew from the Pacific then barged ashore in San Policarpio town in Eastern Samar province around noon. Vongfong packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 185 kph, was forecast to blow northwestward and barrel across densely populated eastern provinces and cities before exiting in the north on Sunday.