Typhoon Jelawat Cools Shanghai TemporarilyTyphoon Jelawat is taking its toll on Shanghai, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, China Dailyreported on August 11. Wind and rain that started yesterday are to continue in the morning but will subside by afternoon, according to weather reports. The typhoon will only bring a short respite from the summer heat, as temperatures are expected to climb tomorrow. "Despite some predictions, Jelawat has not been the most destructive typhoon in the past 10 years," said Zhang Jiacheng, chief forecaster with the Shanghai Meteorological Observatory. Compared with the big 1997 typhoon with winds of force 9-10, Jelawat is only a younger brother, Zhang said. It is the second typhoon to hit Shanghai this summer. Jelawat originated east of Guam Island in the Pacific Ocean last week, according to the observatory. Because of its location, Shanghai can be hit by typhoons from July to September. Early last month, Kai Tak, the summer's first typhoon, hit the city but had little effect. Shanghai pays close attention to monitoring typhoons. "We have been tracking Jelawat since it started," said Shen Jinfu, director of the Forecasting Centre with East China Marine Meteorological Bureau. Other precautions include refastening loose lights, signboards and materials at construction sites and putting anti-disaster teams from each district on alert. "Our responsibility is to minimize possible damage and inconvenience to residents," said Xiao Hu, an officer on duty last night at the Flood-control Headquarters of Shanghai. |
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