Typhoon kills 6 in Philippines

MANILA - Typhoon "Chanchu" whipped through the northwestern Philippines today, after killing six people in stormy seas and leaving more than 10,000 people stranded as air and ferry services were suspended.

Six people were killed and five were still missing after their boat capsized off Masbate island in the central Philippines yesterday. Thirteen others on board were rescued, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said in a statement.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes as "Chanchu", with gusts of up to 120 kph, headed north. In the central Bicol region 300 families had their homes destroyed by powerful winds and flooding.

Some power suppliers were expected to resume services in Bicol on Saturday, after automatically shutting down during the peak of the storm on Friday.

The capital, Manila, was also hit by powerful winds on Saturday morning and there were temporary power cuts in some parts of the city.

"Chanchu" is expected to be over the South China Sea by Sunday morning.

About 20 typhoons hit the Philippine archipelago each year, with around half a dozen crossing the country, mostly during the rainy season that runs from mid-May to September.

- REUTERS