Typhoon Fitow Makes Landfall In Eastern China

Typhoon Fitow made landfall in eastern China on Monday after thousands of people were evacuated. Safety and weather authorities issued their highest level alert, red, ahead of the impending storm.

Fitow, named for a flower, slammed into Fujian province in the early hours on Monday, bringing with it torrential rains, high wind, and widespread blackouts.

The storm also affected Zhejiang province, where the coastal Cangnan County saw houses collapse under strong winds. Local flood authorities also reported a boy was injured by flying glass from the typhoon.

The National Meteorological Center issues a red alert on Sunday in the face of the impending storm. As a result, more than 174,000 people evacuated their homes in Fujian.

An even greater 574,000 abandoned their homes for safer ground in Zhejiang. Li Qiang, Zhejiang’s provincial governor, stated of the evacuations, “We most not leave anybody in danger.”

Despite the warnings, Zhejiang’s city of Wenzhou reported two port workers were missing and may have fallen into the sea. Authorities were urged to check the safety of reservoirs, dams, and chemical plants in the affected area.

Along with evacuations, Typhoon Fitow also caused bullet train service and coach services to be suspended in several areas. Dozens of flights to and from Zhejiang’s Wenzhou airport. More than 35,000 boats were also returned to harbor and 30,000 were called back in Fujian to seek safety until the storm passed.

Typhoon Fitow was the 23rd storm to hit China this year and came bearing 93 mph winds. It came just weeks after Typhoon Usagi killed at least 25 people in China’s southern Guangdong province. After making landfall, the storm worked its way northwest. It is expected to weaken quickly.

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