Super Typhoon Meranti Exits Taiwan, Hits Mainland China

Leaving Thailand the Super Typhoon Meranti has hit mainland China with strong winds and soaking rains. On Wednesday afternoon it struck near Xiamen in the Fujian province with the highest speed of 230 miles per hour.

Weather forcasters said Meranti is the strongest storm this year and is the most devastating since Typhoon Haiyan that struck Philippines some three years ago.

According to Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the Meranti could be compared to a category 4 hurricane.

Assessments of injuries and damages are yet to be done in China.

Meteorologists said the typhoon will weaken up further as it moves inland, but flash flooding, strong winds and heavy rain will persist for another 48 hours.

It is said some of the areas may also get mudslides.

Early Wednesday Taiwan updated adding the typhoon arrived with highest sustained winds of 115 miles per hour and its wind gusts was 140 miles per hour.

Schools and businesses were shut down in Taiwan and at least two people were injured. Flights were canceled and transports were disrupted. About half-million homes were without electricity.

Another storm may hit China on Saturday. It is named Typhoon Malakas.