Coastal China evacuates nearly 600,000 people as Typhoon Talim approaches
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-01 15:33

Nearly 600,000 people have been evacuated as Typhoon Talim, packing winds of up to 184 kilometers (114 miles) per hour, headed for southern China on Thursday, the Associated Press cited Xinhua News Agency as reported.

A woman struggles with her umbrella in fierce wind and heavy rain during a typhoon in Taipei September 1, 2005. Typhoon Talim swept across Taiwan on Thursday after killing at least one person and injuring 24 as it toppled billboards, broke windows and knocked motorcyclists off their bikes. [Reuters]

Authorities issued a top-level "black alarm" as heavy rain and moderate gales swept through Fujian province's capital, Fuzhou. A total of 286,000 people were evacuated in the province, and rescue teams were standing by for emergencies, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Just to the north in Zhejiang province, more than 291,000 people were moved away from the coastline, rivers, aging reservoirs, mountain villages and dilapidated housing, according to the official China News Service. More than 29,000 ships and fishing vessels had taken shelter in harbors, its said.

Authorities predicted Talim would reach shore in the afternoon or evening between the Fujian cities of Lianjiang and Jinjiang, about 750 kilometers (460 miles) south of Beijing.

Calls to the Fujian observatory and anti-flooding office rang unanswered Thursday.

Talim left Taiwan's west coast earlier Thursday after heavy winds and rains drowned an elderly man and injured 24 other people on the island.

Damage from the storm was largely limited to fallen trees and signboards, although schools, offices and financial markets were closed in most of Taiwan on Thursday.

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