Taiwan, eastern China brace for tropical storm Fung-Wong
Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong leaves deadly path in Philippines
PUBLISHED : Saturday, 20 September, 2014, 7:50pm
UPDATED : Sunday, 21 September, 2014, 7:08am
Stephen Chen and Bloomberg
Taiwanese rescuers go to the aid of mainland fishermen after their boat capsized near Quemoy as the storm approached. Photo: CNA
Coastal provinces and Taiwan raised their storm alerts yesterday and braced for the arrival of Severe Tropical Storm Fung-Wong, after the storm deluged parts of the Philippines, killing at least five people and displacing thousands of others.
The US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Centre said the tropical storm would probably make landfall in southern Taiwan this morning. But Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau forecast that it could reach the island as early as last night.
Fung-Wong, which means "phoenix" in English, was centred about 630km southwest of Taipei yesterday morning, moving northwards at about 18.5km/h, and could affect eastern provinces on the mainland.
Taiwanese authorities warned of stormy seas along the island's coast. Boats operating in the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines should be on alert, they said.
The storm caused downpours throughout the northern and central Philippines, affecting more than half a million people. A quarter of Metro Manila was flooded on Friday, with power blackouts affecting more than 100,000 people.
On Koto Island, Taiwan, locals stock up on food. Photo: CNA
Fujian authorities said Fung-Wong's impact was already being felt by yesterday morning, with gusts of up to 88km/h recorded in one island in the province.
The provincial weather authorities issued a yellow warning, the second-lowest level in a four-tier system, but did not expect the storm to make landfall in the province.
The impact of the tropical storm is likely to last until tomorrow, causing strong winds and heavy rainfall in cities such as Fuzhou and Ningde.
The Fujian authorities urged fishermen operating in the province's traditional fishing zones, including the Diaoyu Islands, to seek shelter in the nearest harbour.
Soldiers evacuate villagers in Pingtung, Taiwan. Photo: CNA
Zhejiang weather authorities warned that after hitting Taiwan, the storm would likely move north towards southern Zhejiang.
The entire coastal area of Zhejiang was expected to encounter strong winds and downpours until tomorrow.
Provincial water resources director Chen Chuan told the China News Service that the impact of the storm would be significant. Chen said persistent rainfall in the province had already raised water levels in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Zhejiang disaster-prevention authorities also urged all fishing boats in the region to head for shelter.
