Typhoon Fengshen lashes S. China

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-25-2008 16:41

Tropical storm Fengshen is now hammering southern China. It has forced the closure of schools, markets and businesses in Hong Kong as well as the port city of Shenzhen.

People holding umbrellas walk in rain in south China's Hong Kong on June 25, 2008. Hong Kong was affected by  heavy rain as the Typhoon Fengshen headed towards the southern Chinese city. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal on Tuesday and red warning on Wednesday.(Xinhua Photo)

The storm made landfall in the coastal area around the city of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, at 5:30AM, with winds of up to 83 kilometers per hour.

Classes have been suspended at middle and primary schools in Shenzhen, and more than a dozen flights have been cancelled or delayed. No casualties have been reported in the city.

Downpours of up to 200 millimeters are expected to hit the city on Wednesday and Thursday, and a yellow typhoon alert has been issued.

More than 13,000 ships returned to harbor ahead of the storm's arrival. The provincial meteorological station says the storm will continue to move north and will lose strength.

Hong Kong also experienced heavy rains on Wednesday. All schools and the stock market were closed on Wednesday morning and some flights and ferry sailings were cancelled because of heavy downpours.

A flood prevention emergency response plan has been activated in the eastern province of Jiangxi. The storm is expected to hit Ganzhou City in Jiangxi late on Wednesday and will likely linger over the province for 36 hours.

The China Central Meteorological Station says heavy rains will also sweep Guangdong, Fujian and Hunan provinces as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Editor:Xiong Qu