MANILA, June 23, 2009— Strong winds in northern part of Eastern Samar have claimed at least one life and ruined several properties Tuesday.

In Dolores town, a 7-year old boy died after falling into the river caused by the fierce winds around 3 p.m.

The exceptionally strong winds also caused damages as it lashed several other towns including Oras, Can-avid and Taft.

It also left the entire province without power because of fallen trees and power posts.

Juanito Baria, 30, and a resident of Dolores, said the very strong winds lasted for around 20 minutes but without rain.

He said that major damage is visible across the town especially those living near the coastal area.

“We’ve had the house roofing blown over, we’ve had some trees blown into nearby houses causing heavy damage,” he said.

Tropical Storm Feria is currently battering the entire province after it made landfall in Borongan, Eastern Samar this afternoon.

State weather agency Pagasa said in its 5 p.m. bulletin that Feria was plotted 40 kilometers southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar, as wind gusts 90 kilometers an hour.

It was moving west-northwest at 22 kph, Pagasa added. (Roy Lagarde)