Fishermen missing, thousands stranded as Typhoon Conson batters Philippines

Residents wade along floodwaters caused by typhoon Conson at Ormoc City, Leyte province, Philippines on Tuesday Sept. 7, 2021. Typhoon Conson slammed into the eastern Philippines, causing power outages, suspension of work in government offices, and flooding in some areas on Tuesday. Weather bureau later said Conson weakened into a severe tropical storm. - AP

MANILA, Sept 7 (dpa): Eighteen fishermen were reported missing and nearly 2,000 were stranded in ports in the Philippines as Typhoon Conson battered the country’s eastern coast, officials said on Tuesday.

The fishermen reportedly went out to sea to fish off the province of Samar, despite advisories against sailing due the typhoon, coastguard spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said.