25 dead as typhoon Usagi lashes southern China

Chinese government has confirmed the death of 25 people in Guangdong province due to powerful typhoon Usagi.

12:07 23 September 2013

Powerful typhoon Usagi, the strongest storm to hit Western Pacific this year, lashed southern China and Hong Kong on Monday leaving 25 people dead. They either drown or were hit by debris. It also caused flooding and it crippled power lines. Hong Kong on the other hand, managed to escape the worst as the typhoon progressed into southern China. However, more than 250 incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled while another 200 were delayed. Also, the Hong Kong exchange delayed the start of trading on securities due to typhoon.

Xinhua news agency reported said that 3.5 million people were affected in China. 80,000 of them were moved to Fujian province for safety. Meanwhile, the authorities deployed at least 50,000 relief workers. Xinhua added that 7,100 homes collapsed and economic losses reached £329million. Classes were suspended in Macau, Hong Kong, and in 14 cities in Guangdong province.

Meanwhile, two people were killed on Friday as the storm crossed the Luzon Strait between Philippines and Taiwan. Classes in Manila were cancelled as part of the city capital remained submerged in floodwater.