Typhoon death toll rises to 14
2005-09-02 10:57
Shanghai - The death toll from Typhoon Talim jumped to 14 on Friday after heavy rains caused a mudslide that crushed several houses, killing nine people, local officials said.
Another 15 people were missing in the incident in China's eastern province of Zhejiang.
"We are going to the scene of the accident but we know nine died and 15 are missing," said an official from the city of Wenzhou.
A father and son were also killed when their house collapsed in the province of Fujian, according to Xinhua news agency.
In Taiwan, the National Fire Agency, which co-ordinates relief efforts, said three died when the storm whipped through the island.
Talim slammed into Taiwan and China's eastern coast on Thursday, devastating farmlands, destroying houses and injuring more than 100.
It has since been downgraded to a tropical storm.
East and southeast China are prone to typhoons and have been pummelled by dozens over the past 50 years.
- AFP