China: Typhoon Chanthu stalls offshore and begins to weaken

Typhoon that had been bearing down on Shanghai stops short of making landfall. There are reports that transport has been restored after at around 100,000 were evacuated.

Typhoon Chanthu has stopped short of Shanghai and is lingering 225 kilometers (140 miles) east of the city. Photo: Reuters

In China, Typhoon Chanthu, which had been churning towards the city of Shanghai, appeared to have stopped short of making landfall on September 13. While there has still been strong wind and heavy rain, its believed it would have been far worse had it made landfall.

The AP news agency reported that transport links have been largely restored in the populous city, after flights at both Pudong and Hongqiao airports were suspended. State-affiliated media reported that both airports are operational. 

Typhoon lingering off eastern coast

As Chanthu made its approach, authorities ordered the evacuation of around 100,000 people, state media reported. Trains and subway stations were also shut, along with schools and offices. The China Meteorological association said the typhoon was lingering 225 kilometers (140 miles) east of Shanghai.

The system was expected to move in a northeasterly direction towards South Korea and Japan in the coming days.

Taiwan was soaked as the eye of the storm passed nearby, dropping 13 centimeters (5 inches) of rainfall. In July Typhoon In-fa also disrupted flights and prompted evacuations in the southern part of the city. Severe flooding caused by record rainfall in July also led to the deaths of at least 292 people in the city of Zhengzhou, in central China.

kb/rc (AP, AFP)