Typhoon Meranti causes widespread damage; Malakas to hit Taiwan, Japan
China, Taiwan, and The Philippines were hit by the world's strongest storm so far this year, Typhoon Meranti. At least 10 people have been killed and 51 are missing in China, with the strongest typhoon to hit the Fujian since records began in 1949 causing widespread devastation. Typhoon Meranti has destroyed 1,600 homes, damaged 22,200 hectares of crops and so far caused direct economic losses of at least $249m. Taiwan, where the typhoon killed one person and injured 38, is preparing for another, Typhoon Malakas, which is forecast to hit on 17 September, with Japan also in its path.
Beijing, September 16

At least seven persons were killed and nine others left missing after Typhoon Meranti, the world’s strongest typhoon this year, hit China’s Fujian province and caused widespread devastation, the local government said on Friday.

The strongest typhoon that hit Fujian yesterday since records began in 1949 brought gales of up to 48 meters per second and also destroyed an 871-year-old heritage bridge in Yongchun County.

The Dongguan Bridge was a protected heritage site and built in 1145 during the Song Dynasty.

Typhoon Meranti has left seven persons dead and another nine missing in eastern China’s Fujian Province, the local government said today.

An earlier report by state-run Xinhua news agency said 51 people were injured in the typhoon fury.

The typhoon made landfall in Xiamen yesterday with a maximum 15-grade wind force bringing extraordinary rainstorms and has forced 331,000 people to relocate so far in Fujian.

The typhoon also destroyed 1,600 houses, damaged 22,200 hectares of crops and inflicted direct economic losses of 1.7 billion yuan (USD 249 million).

The Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Commission for Disaster Reduction has dispatched work teams to assess the damage and help with rescue work.

Local authorities were also required to carry out immediate emergency aid and relief, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Fujian provincial government has so far allocated 60 million yuan in living relief for affected people.

The wind uprooted trees, shattered windows and disrupted water supplies in many communities in Xiamen city.

More than 3.2 million homes had no electricity in Fujian at one point and 1.44 million were still without power by last night.

The typhoon also brought heavy rainfall as it moved to lash Zhejiang Province.

More than 63,000 people in Zhejiang were relocated. — PTI