Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - About one million people have been evacuated in southern China since the arrival of typhoon Morakot, which struck the coasts of Fujian yesterday afternoon at 4.30pm. Strong winds (120 kph) and torrential rains have created flooding and landslides. One child died in the collapse of a building and at least 2 thousand houses were destroyed and many trees uprooted. Since this morning, the typhoon decreased in intensity, becoming a “tropical storm”.
In Taiwan, the damage is even more serious. There, the typhoon made landfall with full force, lasting for over two days. So far, the certified victims are at least 12; a further 52 people are missing and 32 are injured. At least 3200 hectares of farmland have been destroyed. Among the crops most affected is that of bananas. According to the Meteorological Office, Morakot in 48 hours saw more precipitation than any other rainfall in the last 100 years. 2.5 meters of rain fell in Pingtung. Fifty bridges have been closed due to flooding
A six-storey hotel in Taitung in the south-east of the island, collapsed in the water (see photo). Guests and staff are safe. At least 170 thousand homes were left without electricity and 440 thousand homes without drinking water. More than 1,200 soldiers are taking part in relief efforts.
Japan has also been struck by the fury of another typhoon, Etau that brought heavy rain and wind to the west of the country. Eight people died in the prefecture of Hyogo; among them a man whose car was swept away by a swollen river; another victim was reported in the prefecture of Okayama. 10 people are still missing.
