Typhoon 'Krosa' lashes east China, one million evacuated

Super Typhoon 'Krosa' made landfall in east China today, dumping heavy rain, forcing the evacuation of over one million people in vulnerable areas in the coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian.

Krosa, the 16th typhoon this year, landed in the afternoon near the borders of Zhejiang and Fujian, packing winds of up to 126 km per hour, the Zhejiang Provincial Flood Prevention and Drought Relief Headquarters said.

It continues to move northward after making landfall, officials from the headquarters said.

A "Level Two" flood control emergency response plan has been issued by the National Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on yesterday to combat the super typhoon.

The typhoon coincides with the ongoing seven-day National Day holiday from October 1 while tourists are visiting seaside resorts or surrounding islands in the two provinces.

Schools, airports, expressways and shipping services in some areas have been shut down, while vessels have been recalled to harbour.

Fujian, drenched by heavy downpours, has issued warning of possible mud-rock flow and slides.

Wenzhou city of Zhejiang Province has issued a red warning signal and ordered ferries, sightseeing boats and fishing vessels to head for safe harbours.

The typhoon has lashed Taiwan, cutting off power supplies and halting highway and air traffic.

During the National Day holiday in 2005, typhoon "Longwang" ravaged east China, triggering flash floods and a landslide, which destroyed barracks with cadets inside, killing 85 soldiers.