Dozens killed as typhoon hits Philippines

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By NBC News staff and wire reportsThe strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year pounded the southern island of Mindanao on Tuesday, killing dozens as it destroyed homes and brought down power and communication lines.

At least 81 people died in Mindanao, ABS-CBNnews.com cited officials as saying.

Typhoon Bopha made landfall at dawn, uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. The Weather Channel said the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and was the equivalent of a category five hurricane.

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