Typhoon lashes Philippines, Taiwan, heads for Hong Kong

HENGTSUN, Taiwan (AFP) - Typhoon Usagi, the most powerful storm of the year, unleashed torrential rain and ferocious winds on Taiwan Saturday, leaving tens of thousands without power after claiming at least two lives in the Philippines as it barrelled towards Hong Kong.

Southern Taiwan was hit by the storm, which brought torrential rain and ferocious winds, as it rolled past the Batanes island group in the far north of the Philippines -- tearing coconut trees in half -- and headed on towards the Chinese mainland.