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Early typhoon hits Hainan, weakens to tropical storm

A severe tropical storm was expected to hit southern China late yesterday bringing heavy rain, as authorities reported the rescue of 38 fishermen who abandoned their boats and sheltered in reefs as the typhoon approached.

Typhoon Neoguri struck Hainan Island late on Friday, forcing flight cancelations and the evacuation of more than 120,000 people from fish farms and low-lying coastal areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

DOWNGRADED

No casualties have been reported, and by the time the typhoon hit Hainan, packing winds of 108kph, it had weakened to a severe tropical storm, Xinhua said.

Authorities in Hainan said a rescue ship had found 38 fishermen who swam to a reef area after their three boats were damaged. The fishermen were part of a group of 56 with whom the local fishing office had lost contact late on Thursday.

Another 18 fishermen were missing, and authorities had dispatched a helicopter in the rescue effort. A passing freighter joined in the search, Xinhua said.

ON THE MOVE

The storm was moving north at a speed of 10kph to 15kph, and was expected to hit the coast of Guangdong Province yesterday afternoon or during the night as it weakens, Xinhua said on Friday, citing the National Meteorological Center.

The forecast at 6am yesterday showed the center of the storm was about 190km south of Guangdong, with winds of up to 90kph, Xinhua said.

Guangdong’s coastal areas should expect heavy rain. Weather experts have advised those in the storm’s path to cancel big gatherings, school activities and work, Xinhua said.

Boat crews were also advised to return to port and anchor their vessels.

No typhoon has hit China this early in the season for six decades, Xinhua said.


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