Nine killed, 3.5 million affected as Typhoon “Rumbia” wreaks havoc across central and eastern China

At least 9 people have been killed and 18 injured after Typhoon "Rumbia" wreaked havoc across central and eastern China over the past couple of days. About 3 512 000 people have been affected as well as 420 000 hectares (1.37 million acres) of crops. The storm has also damaged more than 5 800 homes.

The typhoon made landfall near the city Shanghai just after 04:00 local time August 17 (20:00 UTC, August 16) with maximum sustained winds around 90 km/h (55 mph).

Although the storm dissipated over the next 36 hours, it had enough strength and time to claim at least 9 lives and drop record-breaking rain.

In total, about 3 512 000 people have been affected as well as 420 000 hectares (1.37 million acres) of crops. The storm has also damaged more than 5 800 homes.

The worst affected is the Anhui Province, where 1.7 million people were affected and nearly 243 000 ha (600 000 acres) of crops. More than 4 000 homes have been damaged.

In the city of Xuzhou, more than 924 000 people have been affected and about 68 000 ha (168 000 acres) of crops. More than 1 800 homes have been damaged, Xinhua reports.

In neighboring Henan Province, Rumbia affected some 888 000 people and damaged nearly 109 000 ha (270 000 acres) of crops.

According to Xinhua, 3 meteorological stations in Henan province have seen precipitation exceeding 500 mm (19.68 inches), while daily precipitation has set records in eight meteorological stations.

Featured image: Typhoon "Rumbia" on August 17, 2018. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS