Three Die as Typhoon Utor Rampages Through Guangdong

Typhoon Utor Hits Guangdong

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Typhoon Utor has killed three people and razed 4,700 houses in south China's Guangdong Province, according to the latest reports.

Some 5.6 million people have had their everyday lives disrupted by the typhoon. A provincial official estimated the economic losses caused by Utor at 2.1 billion yuan (about 253 million US dollars).

Rainstorms have hit most parts of eastern Guangdong, bringing the water level of many rivers to the highest in history. Some buildings and power installations in Meizhou and Huizhou cities have been inundated.

Power and water supplies have been cut off in Chaozhou City, one of the most seriously affected areas. Breaches are reported in some river dykes. Fifteen fishing vessels have sunk, and 30,000 ha of crops have been destroyed, causing a total economic loss of 370 million yuan.


Typhoon Utor Hits Guangdong

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Provincial officials have taken emergency measures to reduce the losses to the minimum, sending five work teams to Shantou, Jieyang, Huizhou, Meizhou and Shanwei, respectively, to organize rescue efforts.