Map of China. Credit: Geology.com
Shanghai (AFP) – Tens of millions of people in Shanghai and across China's densely populated east coast hunkered indoors Monday as the strongest typhoon to hit since 1949 swept in, downing trees and disrupting transport across the region.
Typhoon Bebinca -- the fiercest storm to hit the megacity since Gloria 75 years ago -- landed early Monday morning in the eastern coastal area, with wind speeds of around 150 kilometers (95 miles) per hour, state media said.
Many businesses were already closed for the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday, and the city's 25 million residents have been advised to avoid leaving their homes.
The municipal news service said the typhoon had caused "significant damage across the city," felling over 1,800 trees and leaving 30,000 households without electricity.
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