TYPHOON WIPHA CAUSES HAVOC IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

A typhoon has made landfall in several countries across Southeast Asia, leaving several people dead and displacing thousands.

Wipha hit the Philippines on Monday at 10:00 and reached its maximum winds of 102 km/h on Tuesday.

The capital city of Hanoi was nearly empty as residents moved inland to try to avoid the storm. Most businesses were closed, and government officials warned people to stay inside if the buildings were safe. If the builders were unstable or in flood-prone areas, residents were urged to evacuate.

After moving through the Philippines, Wipha hit Vietnam on Tuesday evening. Airports in certain cities were closed and flights were cancelled.

Local weather officials have warned that flooding is possible due to the heavy rain.

The Guardian reports that in Hong Kong, weather authorities lowered the typhoon signal to 8 from the maximum of 10, which had been hoisted for nearly seven hours, while more than 110mm (4 inches) of rain fell within three hours.

A warning of more rain to come has been forecast.

The Chinese government reported that 26 people were treated in public hospitals for injuries related to the typhoon, while 253 people flocked to shelters. No deaths have been reported so far.

Image credit: France24