Typhoon Muifa slams China; red alert issued in coastal areas

Beijing, Aug 7: Nature was at its furious best in China when a powerful typhoon slammed the coastal areas of China. Typhoon Muifa's devastating impact has led to Chinese officials issuing a red alert and the evacuation of over 206,000 people mostly residing near the coastal areas. The typhoon has heightened fears for residents in the country that led to the red alert which is the highest in the four-level high wave warning system for sea waves.

The powerful typhoon swept across the East China Sea that covers an area of 1,249,000 km. According to local agencies, waves as high as 10.5 metres were observed. The fact was backed by China's National Marine Environmental Forecasting Centre.

A warning has been issued stating that there are likely chances of seeing waves as high as 9 to 11 metres high from Saturday noon to Sunday noon in the East China Sea. Typhoon Muifa is the ninth typhoon to hit China this year and hit the East China Sea around 10 pm. Though its force is expected to recede, it will take a while before it does so.

Strong winds are also expected of close to 162 km per hour with the typhoon headed to the northwest at a speed of 10 km to 15 km per hour, officials reported. The typhoon is likely to unleash its fury for the next 11 days.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has issued a circular to keep up with relief operations and monitor the operations. Close to 4000 ships have been called back to the harbour near Zhejiang's Ningbo and Taizhou cities. Fishing vessels have also been called back near the Fujian province.

OneIndia News