China’s meteorological authority issued an alert on Thursday for the super typhoon nicknamed “Songda” as it moves near the country’s southern coast, bringing strong winds and large waves.

Songda, the second typhoon this year, will cause high winds in the country’s southern seas over the next 24 hours, said China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC), which issued an orange alert for strong winds at 6 p.m.

By 10 a.m. Thursday, Songda was heading for the northeastern side of the main Philippine island of Luzon at a speed of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour with winds near the center reaching 52 meters per second, said the NMC in a statement.

The typhoon is expected to bring winds of 50 to 117 kilometers an hour in waters near Taiwan over the next 24 hours, as well as heavy rains in east Taiwan, the NMC said.

The NMC warns vessels to take shelter in ports and urges local authorities to prepare for emergencies as a result of strong winds and rainstorms.

 

http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2011-05/27/content_22654081.htm

Update:

2 dead as Typhoon Songda leaves Philippines

Typhoon Songda is leaving the Philippines with two people dead and tons of crops and property destroyed.

Benito Ramos, executive officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, identified the two casualties as Jaime Torillos, 70, and Emmanuel Macaro, 27.

Songda also damaged 11.46 million pesos (263,448 U.S. dollars) worth of crops and properties.

Ramos said Songda affected 67,514 families in eastern and southern Philippines. Of the affected population, 53,792 families are from the Bicol region where authorities effected a pre-emptive evacuation of people who are living in flood and landslide prone areas.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Songda is moving towards the north, and as of 1 p.m., local time, is now located 200 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

PAGASA expects Songda to exit Philippine territory early Sunday.

 

http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2011-05/27/content_22656695.htm