Typhoon Mangkhut: Dozens killed as typhoon lashes China

A woman runs in the rainstorm as Typhoon Mangkhut approaches, in Shenzhen, China September 16, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee  TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1D37D20F50
A woman runs in the rainstorm as Typhoon Mangkhut approaches, in Shenzhen, China September 16, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1D37D20F50

Typhoon Mangkhut continued on its destructive path on Sunday as it hit the southern coast of China, killing two, after leaving at least 64 dead in the Philippines amid landslides and flooding.

The storm battered the heavily populated Guangdong region in China on Sunday afternoon with 100mph (160km/h) winds, after skirting 62 miles from Hong Kong.

In Guangdong, more than 2.4 million people have been evacuated. The storm made landfall in the the city of Haiyan around 5pm local time, according to China’s central meteorological observatory. China Central Television said the had typhoon triggered storm surges as high as 3 meters. By late evening, the Chinese state broadcaster said two lives had already been lost.

In Hong Kong, authorities also issued their maximum alert, with residents warned to stay indoors to avoid flying debris. Winds there reportedly reached more than 110 mph (177 kph).

Foam brought by high waves is seen washed ashore in Heng Fa Chuen, a residential area near the waterfront, during Typhoon Mangkhut in Hong Kong, China September 16, 2018. REUTRERS/Bobby Yip.

Officials put the number of injured at more than 200 but the territory avoided the worst of the storm. Water levels surged by almost 3.5m in places and live fish were washed on to the streets.

In the Philippines, the total death toll rose to 64. The heaviest casualties were in Benguet province, where 38 people died, mostly in two landslides, and 37 are still missing, the police said. Dozens of people, mostly small-scale miners and their families, are still feared to have been trapped by a landslide in the far-flung village of Ucab in Itogon town in the province, according to the local mayor, Victorio Palangdan.

Damaged windows of the One Harbourfront office tower are seen following Typhoon Mangkhut, in Hong Kong, China September 16, 2018. REUTERS/Bobby Yip.

Most shops and public services were shut, and more than 800 flights have been cancelled at Hong Kong International Airport – affecting more than 100,000 passengers.

Typhoon Mangkhut is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Tuesday as it moves inland.

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