Double typhoons on course to slam China: six storms since the start of August

 

August 23, 2012 – CHINA – Two powerful typhoons are heading toward China, putting the weather-beaten nation on alert again after four storms have caused landfalls across the country since the start of August. Typhoons Tembin and Bolaven may have a combined impact on coastal areas in the coming 10 days,” Zhang Chang’an, chief forecaster at the China Meteorological Administration, said on Wednesday. Both storms are strengthening, with Bolaven expected to be the strongest typhoon to hit China this year if it lands in the country, Zhang said, adding that the storm will bring maximum winds of 220 km/h. The National Commission on Disaster Reduction issued a typhoon alert on Wednesday, warning authorities to make emergency plans. Tembin was about 2,000 km from the coast of Zhejiang province on Wednesday, moving at a speed of 5 km/h. The administration has asked authorities in potential affected areas to set up warning signs in high-risk areas such as construction sites and low-lying areas, and open emergency shelters including schools and stadiums for evacuation of affected people. The Fujian Meteorological Bureau urged boats to take shelter in ports by Wednesday to avoid possible damage brought by Tembin. –China Daily