330,000 people relocated in anticipation of typhoon

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-28 23:19

FUZHOU/HANGZHOU -- Two coastal provinces in east China have relocated more than 330,000 people in anticipation of super-strong Typhoon Jangmi, local authorities said on Sunday.

People struggle against the wind as Typhoon Jangmi hits Taipei September 28, 2008. [Agencies]

More than 76,000 boats were called to harbor as Fujian and Zhejiang provinces brace for Jangmi, which is forecast to slam into Fujian late Monday afternoon or evening.

The typhoon is expected to bring torrential rain and high winds to these areas. Local authorities have issued warnings of possible floods and landslides.

Jangmi made landfall in Yilan, Taiwan at 3:40 p.m. Sunday, packing winds of up to 183.6 km per hour in the eye, according to the Fujian Provincial Observatory. It is moving northeastward at 20 km per hour.

In Fujian, which faces Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, authorities recalled more than 51,000 boats and evacuated more than 267,000 people working at sea, according to the provincial flood-prevention office.

Navigation has been suspended across the Strait due to strong winds and waves, and all sea tours have been suspended in Fujian and Zhejiang.

Jangmi is coming on the heels of Hagupit, the 14th strong typhoon of this year. It landed in the southern Guangdong Province last Wednesday.

Hagupit left China on Thursday and moved into Vietnam, after killing at least 17 people.