Super Typhoon Rammasun Heads for Southern China

2014-07-18

A powerful storm that killed dozens in the Philippines has strengthened into a super typhoon ahead of its arrival in southern China.

Chinese meteorological officials say Typhoon Rammasun will hit the southern Chinese island of Hainan and the province of Guangdong Friday afternoon.

With winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, Chinese officials say the storm is the strongest to hit Hainan in 40 years.

The official Xinhua news agency says more than 26,000 people have been evacuated on Hainan ahead of the storm. China's National Meteorological Center has issued its highest "red alert."

The storm is expected to bring violent winds, high waves and torrential rain to southern China, where dozens already have been killed by floods in recent days.

Rammasun, which means "God of Thunder" in Thai, killed at least 40 people as it cut a path through the northern Philippines this week.

Millions in the capital, Manila, and surrounding areas remain without power, as downed power lines and trees continue blocking roadways in many areas.

Source: Voice of America