Fourteen people were killed, 14 others listed missing while an 870-year-old heritage bridge was destroyed after Typhoon 'Meranti', the world's strongest typhoon so far this year, caused widespread devastation in China's Fujian province.
The Press Trust of India (PTI) reports that Meranti made landfall in Xiamen on Thursday with a maximum 15-grade wind force bringing extraordinary rainstorms.
It has reportedly killed seven people in Fujian, six people in Zhejiang Province and one in Taiwan Province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.
In Fujian, nine more people were missing.
Some 331,000 people were forced to relocate and direct economic losses of 1.7 billion yuan (US$249 million) were estimated in the province, according to the local government.
Repair workers are busy restoring the power grid in Xiamen, as the typhoon cut off tap water supplies and caused a mass blackout in the city.
As parts of the city's railway facilities were damaged, nine passenger trains were canceled, and the routes of 61 trains will be changed between Sept 16 and 25.
The provincial government has so far allocated 60 million yuan in disaster relief for affected people.
An earlier report by Xinhua said 51 people were injured in the typhoon fury.
An 871-year-old bridge in Yongchun County was destroyed by the flood.
The Dongguan Bridge was a protected heritage site and built in 1145 during the Song Dynasty.
The typhoon weakened to a tropical depression around 5pm Thursday and moved northwards, bringing downpours to the provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Anhui and the city of Shanghai.
Zhejiang was particularly badly affected.
More than 70,000 people were relocated, and 1.8 billion yuan in direct economic losses were caused, according to provincial authorities.
Over 600 rescuers are working in disaster-hit areas of Zhejiang.
Shanghai was also affected by Meranti and witnessed its heaviest downpour this year from Thursday night to Friday morning, with 400 millimeters of precipitation.
Coming hot on the heels of Meranti, Typhoon Malakas is likely to enter the East China Sea on Saturday.
Taiwan's meteorological agency issued land and sea warnings for Malakas on Friday, and said the typhoon was bringing winds of up to 180 kms per hour as it moved toward the island.
The meteorological bureau of Fujian forecast that offshore fisheries in the province would be affected.
Shanghai flood control headquarters also called on related departments and organisations to prepare for the approaching typhoon. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Sep 17 2016
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.