Typhoon Rakes Across Northern Philippines

Typhoon Ivan struck the Philippines today, knocking down trees and power lines and forcing officials to cut off power to a northern province.

Meanwhile, another powerful typhoon was head toward Japan.

Ivan, with sustained winds of 105 mph and gusts of up to 125 mph, hit the Philippines near the town of Aparri, in the northeastern province of Cagayan, weather officials said.

Although the typhoon had slightly weakened as it churned over the Pacific Ocean, it still was powerful enough to tear into buildings and farms in a vital agricultural area that produces rice, tobacco and vegetables. There were no immediate reports of deaths.

Congressman Rudolfo Albano from Cagayan said the storm had uprooted trees, scattered power lines and damaged some homes. Power was cut off in parts of neighboring Isabela province.

Joan, the second typhoon, was located about 1,000 miles east of the Philippine island of Luzon, with sustained winds of 120 mph and gusts of up to 145 mph, forecasters said. It was traveling in a northwesterly direction at 10 mph toward Japan.

On Saturday, Joan swept through the Northern Mariana Islands, producing widespread damage but no reported injuries.