Central Philippines Struck by Typhoon; 5 Die, 17 Ships Sink
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MANILA — The strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year roared through the central islands Tuesday, killing at least five people and sinking 17 ships.
Typhoon Mike’s 125-m.p.h. wind also forced thousands of people to flee their homes in low-lying areas.
The Philippine coast guard reported that 25 crew members were missing after the ship Dona Roberta sank near Cagayan de Oro, about 500 miles south of Manila.
At least 17 people, including six Americans, were trapped on an oil rig off Palawan Island in the South China Sea. Three sailors also were missing after their naval craft sank in Cebu harbor.
The storm hit first on Leyte Island early Tuesday and by late afternoon was centered over Cuyo Island, about 260 miles south of Manila.
The storm was expected to pass over Palawan and head into the South China Sea early today.
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